Nkosinathi Sibisi Strikes Again As Pirates Keep Pressure On Sundowns

Orlando Pirates are refusing to let go of their Betway Premiership title dreams — and defender Nkosinathi Sibisi is turning into an unlikely hero in that chase.

Sibisi scored the only goal of the game in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. It was his second match-winning strike in the league this season, having also bagged a crucial header against Chippa United last month.

This one? A bit of a gift.

Polokwane keeper Brian Bwire fumbled a free-kick from Kabelo Dlamini, and the ball bounced off Sibisi and rolled into the net in the 67th minute. A little lucky? Sure. But Pirates fans won’t complain.

The victory keeps the Buccaneers chasing leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who are still 12 points ahead — but Sundowns have played three more matches. And if Royal AM’s results are scrapped following their likely expulsion from the league, Sundowns could see three points wiped out. Pirates haven’t played Royal AM yet, so this could work in their favour.

Riveiro’s Goodbye Tour

With head coach Jose Riveiro set to leave at the end of the season, the Bucs players are clearly motivated to send him off in style. Under his guidance, Pirates have already lifted three domestic trophies — and they’re still in the hunt for a treble: the league title, the Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Champions League.

Up next: MC Alger visit Pirates for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal — a huge fixture just three days after this gritty win.

Domination, But Few Clear Chances

Pirates bossed possession with 68% control in the first half, but only registered three shots on target in that spell. Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi were the architects of most attacks, while striker Evidence Makgopa had a quiet outing despite his brace in the reverse fixture back in September.

Mofokeng nearly doubled the lead with a clever finish after a defensive error, but his shot flew just wide.

While Sibisi grabbed the headlines, it was young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi who stood tall in the second half. He kept Polokwane’s pacey duo, Oswin Appollis and Bonginkosi Dlamini, in check with a mature and composed display.

With momentum on their side and games in hand, Pirates are still very much in this title fight. The road ahead is tough, but with Sibisi stepping up and the team digging deep, Bucs fans have every reason to believe.

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