Sibisi fires derby message to 'physical' Chiefs

Orlando Pirates' battle-scarred defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has addressed the physicality their old foes Kaizer Chiefs could bring into Saturday’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby. 

The two Soweto giants meet at FNB Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash, with Pirates aware of the challenges Fernando da Cruz's men could pose.

Chiefs' physical approach still fresh in Pirates' memory

The previous league meeting between the sides, back in April, was characterised by intense physical battles, with the men in Gold and Black looking to disrupt Bucs’ quick-flowing football. It ended in a 1-1 draw, dealing a slight blow to Pirates’ title ambitions before they eventually went on to claim the championship.

Abdeslam Ouaddou was particularly unhappy with Amakhosi’s approach, describing what he witnessed on the pitch as “karate” against his players. 

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Sibisi urges Pirates to block out the noise

However, speaking at the Soweto Derby press conference at SuperSport Studios in Randburg, Sibisi insists that his side must concentrate on their own performance.

“I think we need to focus on ourselves. We know what the opponent is capable of. As you’ve said, they have not lost in the league; it speaks volumes of what they have been doing,” noted the man affectionately known as 'Bhodlela'.

“But we have to put focus on what we have to do, and I think if we get that right, we will get the result on Saturday. 

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“Look, when you’re speaking about physicality, if it is fair, is it alright, but if it’s not, why should we be judged by that? I think what we should be judged by is the way we play, the way we get the result, so for us, we’re just focusing on that. 

“We’re the type of team we have to play with the ball, not to get into any dirty challenges or something. But for us, it’s just to play good football and keep winning,” stressed Sibisi.

Derby as a launchpad for Pirates' young stars

The Bafana Bafana international also believes the derby presents an excellent opportunity for some of Pirates’ younger players to showcase their abilities on one of South African football’s biggest stages.

“But I think it is going to be a good experience for our boys. I think if you’re good enough, you are old enough. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing Chiefs or anyone in the league. If you’re good enough, you deserve to play, and what better way to showcase your talent than on the biggest stage.” 

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Betway Premiership Kaizer Chiefs News Nkosinathi Sibisi Orlando Pirates Soweto Derby