{"id":19945,"date":"2025-08-01T13:44:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T11:44:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=19945"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:07:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:07:22","slug":"pirates-confident-ahead-of-mtn8-title-defence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/pirates-confident-ahead-of-mtn8-title-defence\/","title":{"rendered":"Orlando Pirates Confident and Calm Ahead of MTN8 Title Defence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has made it clear that the team does not feel any pressure ahead of their MTN8 title defence. The Buccaneers will kick off their campaign against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium this Saturday at 3pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sibisi, recently appointed captain following Innocent Maela\u2019s retirement, emphasised that the squad understands their roles and is ready to deliver on the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThere is no pressure whatsoever,\u201d Sibisi explained. \u201cThis team has proven its ability, and we know what it takes. Some players have lifted the trophy before, and the newcomers are eager to add their names to the list. For us, it\u2019s about coming together and performing, just like we have in pre-season.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-players-understand-the-stakes\">New Players Understand the Stakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The captain also highlighted that the importance of defending the MTN8 crown is well understood throughout the squad, including the new recruits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAfter a long pre-season, we\u2019re excited to get started on Saturday. Everyone knows the responsibility we carry in defending this trophy. We intend to show the fans exactly what we\u2019re capable of right from the first match,\u201d Sibisi added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3075635995\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-aiming-for-historic-fourth-consecutive-title\">Aiming for Historic Fourth Consecutive Title<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Having clinched the MTN8 title three years running, the Buccaneers are aiming to make history by winning it for a fourth consecutive time. Sibisi expressed the team\u2019s determination to keep that winning momentum alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWinning three times consecutively is a feeling you never forget. We want to continue that legacy, aiming for a fourth and even a fifth. Our goal is to defend what belongs to us and cement our place in the club\u2019s history,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MTN8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#MTN8<\/a> \ud83c\udfc6 Launch done. Now, we focus.<br><br>\ud83c\udd9a <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/polokwane_city?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@polokwane_city<\/a> <br>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f 02 August 2025<br>\ud83c\udfdf\ufe0f Orlando Stadium<br>\ud83c\udfab <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4VKZRfV1vX\">https:\/\/t.co\/4VKZRfV1vX<\/a><br>\u23f0 15H00<br><br>\u26ab\ufe0f\u26aa\ufe0f\ud83d\udd34\u2b50\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/OrlandoPirates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#OrlandoPirates<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/OnceAlways?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#OnceAlways<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vr0PSnGppw\">pic.twitter.com\/vr0PSnGppw<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/orlandopirates\/status\/1950831651073720539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">July 31, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-polokwane-city-ready-to-cause-an-upset\">Polokwane City Ready to Cause an Upset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Polokwane City defender Tlou Nkwe insists his side is ready to challenge Orlando Pirates in Saturday\u2019s MTN8 quarterfinal at Orlando Stadium. Known as the Rise and Shine, City enter the game as underdogs against the three-time defending champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nkwe acknowledged the challenge ahead, telling reporters, \u201cThey are the defending champions, and it will not be easy, it will demand a lot from us. But we want to win. You can\u2019t just come to make up the numbers, and we have what it takes to come out victorious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He added that much of the pressure lies with Pirates, especially their new signings. \u201cMost of the pressure is on them. They have made a few signings who will be under pressure. You have to deliver if you are playing for a big brand like Pirates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-875039352\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-familiar-face-on-the-pitch\">A Familiar Face on the Pitch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One notable signing for Pirates is Bafana Bafana attacker <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/orlando-pirates-secure-oswin-appollis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oswin Appollis,<\/a> who made the switch from Polokwane City. Nkwe admitted this adds an extra layer to the encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt will be an interesting game for him, even for us as his former teammates. He is a very good footballer and was our point of difference. It is a test also for him, to perform against his former club. And also for us, when we come up against him we have to be ready. He is a good footballer, and I am a good defender.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-coach-new-challenges\">New Coach, New Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Orlando Pirates will also be playing under a new coach for the first time this season. Spaniard Jose Riveiro departed for Al Ahly, with Moroccan<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/orlando-pirates-future-under-abdeslam-ouaddou\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Abedlsam Ouaddou<\/a> stepping in to lead the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Ouaddou may need time to fully impose his style, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/sport\/soccer\/local-soccer\/pirates-not-under-pressure-to-defend-mtn8-title\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pirates<\/a> are still expected to progress comfortably to the semifinals on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2367581319\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-orlando-stadium-set-for-a-full-house\">Orlando Stadium Set for a Full House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The eagerly awaited season opener will take place in front of a sold-out crowd at Orlando Stadium. Fans are buzzing with anticipation to see their champions back in action, alongside fresh signings and the new coach, who will experience their first official match with the Pirates faithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those unable to secure tickets, the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport 2 and SABC 1, with kick-off set for 15:00. The stage is set for an exciting start to the MTN8 as the defending champions aim to continue their winning streak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/ndah-returns-for-orlando-pirates-mtn8-opener\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ndah Returns to Full Fitness for Orlando Pirates Ahead of MTN8 Opener<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has made it clear that the team does not feel any pressure ahead of their MTN8 title defence. The Buccaneers will kick off their campaign against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium this Saturday at 3pm. Sibisi, recently appointed captain following Innocent Maela\u2019s retirement, emphasised that the squad understands their roles<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":19951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has made it clear that the team does not feel any pressure ahead of their MTN8 title defence. The Buccaneers will...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[9474,273,9773,288],"class_list":{"0":"post-19945","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news","9":"tag-mtn-8","10":"tag-orlando-pirates","11":"tag-psl-2025-26-season","12":"tag-soccer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19945","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19945"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19945\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19952,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19945\/revisions\/19952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19945"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19945"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19945"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}