Orlando Pirates start their 2025/26 season on Saturday with an MTN8 tie against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium.
The Buccaneers are the defending champions, having won the unprecedented last three editions in a row. It will be another historic moment if the Soweto giants win it again under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took over the reigns from Jose Riveiro, currently heading Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has also been appointed as the new captain following the release of veteran defender Innocent Maela, is confident nothing can stop the Buccaneers from claiming another MTN8 crown.
‘Winning it three times in a row, you don't forget the feeling'
“The foundation has been laid during pre-season. We have new players, a new coach, fresh ideas, also renewed energy from the players who've been with the team for the past few seasons,” the 29-year-old told the media.
“I think we have added quality players in every position, so for us it is just to work hard and win the MTN8 to set the tone for the rest of the season. Winning it three times in a row, you don't forget the feeling.
“We want to do it for the fourth time because it's a feeling you don't want to lose. We want to defend what's ours… to be in the club's history books. It's a great privilege and an honour for me to captain such a huge side, Pirates… such a big institution. As a young boy, I grew up supporting the club and never in my wildest dreams thought one day I would play for this club, let alone captain it,” Sibisi concluded.
