CAPTAIN of Orando Pirates, Nkosinathi “Bhodlela” Sibisi, understands the excitement about their match against Mamelodi Sundowns but he does not see that they should play for life and death because with a win they will gain three points as in all the matches they win in the Betway Premiership.
Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betweay Premiership match at FNB Stadium, Nasrec, today at 7.30pm. The Blacks are criticized by many for ending the dominance of the Brazilians in the South African league which has lasted for eight years.
This team, led by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, does not hide that they want to win the league title at the end of the 2025/2026 season. Pirates are leading with 38 points after 16 games. It is followed by Sundowns with 32 in 15 games.
According to Sibisi, the win is important for them because it will widen the gap at the top but they will not be moved from the mindset they have about what they want to do this season if they are denied the result.
Sundowns, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the Caf Champions League last weekend, have the opportunity to close the remaining points gap if they win against Pirates.
“I understand the excitement of the fans and the importance of the game for different reasons, but the indisputable truth is that we will not win the league title by winning against Sundowns at FNB,” said Sibisi.
Pirates are driving high these days since they have lost twice to teams from South this season in different competitions. Among the players who carry it are Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma and others.
“If we don’t win the Sundowns match, that will not mean that we have missed the league title. I understand the importance of doing well to remain comfortably in the top but if this does not happen, it will not mean that everything we have planned for this season has failed.”
“What we know is that in this game we will be at home and after that there will be a few games left to wrap up the season. So it will help us to keep the points for us even though we have no doubt that it will be difficult.
“We and Sundowns are not the only ones in contention for the title, but there are other teams behind us who are fighting for the same thing. That is why there is no need to focus too much on Sundowns’ result,” said Sibisi.