Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has revealed how he prayed to finish the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Sibisi failed to finish the two previous MTN8 finals due to injuries.
The Bafana Bafana international only played five minutes during the final against AmaZulu in the 2022/3 season, which the side went on to win 1-0 courtesy of a sublime Monnapule Saleng free kick.
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As if that was not enough, he only lasted 34 minutes during the match against Mamelodi Sundowns last season, which the Buccaneers won on penalties after a goalless draw at the completion of extra time.
Both matches were played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in his home province, KwaZulu-Natal.
As fate would have it, Sibisi replaced Olisa Ndah in Saturday's final against Stellenbosch FC after the Nigerian was ruled out with an injury.
"The final means a lot to me. It's true when they say third time lucky. I came here for two finals and got injured. For me, today I just woke up and prayed to play and finish the game," reflected the man affectionately known as 'Bhodlela' in the post-match press conference.
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"I feel very blessed that I managed to finish the game and go on to win the tournament. I want to thank the people that I am sitting with (teammates) for working together as a team and winning the tournament," he added.
The 29-year-old is now set to switch focus to Bafana for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in Gqeberha on Friday, with the return leg taking place next Tuesday away from home.