Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has opened up on winning the 2024/25 defender of the season award ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Grant Kekana and Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC.
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has opened up on winning the 2024/25 defender of the season award ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Grant Kekana and Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC.
Sibisi had a slow start in the season, as then-head coach Jose Riveiro preferred to start with Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane. The duo picked up long-term injuries during the early stages of the campaign, which led to Sibisi and youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi taking over the centre-back positions.
The two defenders became a shield to Sipho Chaine. They assisted the team in reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, the Nedbank Cup final and finishing second on the Betway Premiership standings.
Speaking during the MTN8 launch, Sibisi said he is honoured to receive the nod, adding that the success was a collective effort from the whole team.
“It’s been a good 24 hours for me. It’s very nice to receive such an award. But for me, I don’t pride myself on such [awards]. I’d rather win the league than get defender of the season, because that’s a collective.
“I think the guys have helped a lot in what we have been doing, because defending doesn’t only start with me, it starts up front. So, this award is not really for me. It’s just for everyone involved, and for all the players and everyone with whom we worked last season,” he said.
The 29-year-old was recently named captain following the retirement of Innocent Maela and will have two vice-captains: Thapelo Xoki and Mbokazi. Sibisi welcomed Mbokazi’s appointment and added that he has been showing leadership qualities since his time with the club’s DDC team.
“I think the signs were there, and he’s been our captain for the DDC, so it’s no surprise and looking at the direction the club is heading towards, it’s preparing for the future because we won’t always be there.
“It’s for him to take over and for us to guide him, and show him how things are done, how you present yourself, how you treat others, and I think it’s a responsibility we take with full hands, not only me but the other captains as well,” he concluded.
The Sea Robbers will kickstart their MTN8 trophy defence against Polokwane City on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.