Orlando Pirates skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi has come out blunt in making known their intentions for the 2025/26 season.
Pirates have been second three years in a row in the league, but with the signings made by the club in this window, there is renewed hope that they will give Mamelodi Sundowns a proper run for their money.
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Bucs have recruited wisely bringing in Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Abdoulaye Mariko, Tshepo Mashiloane, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Masindi Nemtajela, and Nkosikhona Ndaba.
These are signings clearly marked ‘title intentions’ for the Soweto giants, who will also compete for the MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League.
"As I have said, we don’t want to overwhelm ourselves with being obsessed with the league title," notes Sibisi ahead of the league opener against Sekhukhune United on Saturday (17:30) at Orlando Stadium.
"We just want to take it one game at a time.
"So, to say where we fell short mainly last season, you can’t exactly pinpoint.
"But I think with the quality that we have and the depth that we have right now, we can go all the way.
"So, you can’t really pinpoint, but the belief is there to go all the way in all competitions.
"It started last Saturday," says Sibisi.
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Pirates will take specific interest in the league having last won this trophy at the end of the 2011/12 season with Augusto Palacios calling the shots.
Since then, Roger De Sa, Eric Tinkler, Vladimir Vermezovic, Muhsin Ertugral, Palacios again, Kjell Jonevret, Milutin Sredojevic, Rulani Mokwena, Josef Zinnbauer, Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids, as well as Jose Riveiro have all come and gone without lifting this trophy.
Abdeslam Ouaddou is the latest man tasked with the job and will endear himself to the Ghost if he can deliver the league.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
