After Mamelodi Sundowns won the treble in 2021/22, Orlando Pirates went out into the market to secure players who would help them challenge the dominant side from Tshwane for trophies. One of the stars recruited was Nkosinathi Sibisi, who had been a rock in the Golden Arrows rearguard. The man nicknamed "Bhodlela", in fact, was a wanted man at Chloorkop, but chose to join the Buccaneers and his first season has been nothing short of a fairytale, bringing with it two trophies in the form of the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup. Not only that, the centreback was also nominated for the DStv Premiership Defender of the Season award. In this interview, the 27-year-old talks about why he didn't think twice when the Soweto giants came calling, choosing team success over individual accolades and how he plans to get on the plane to Ivory Coast with Bafana Bafana for next year's Afcon.
Tshepang Mailwane: Bhodlela, where do we even start? You had such a good first season with Orlando Pirates after joining from Golden Arrows and the cherry on top was the Nedbank Cup triumph. Talk to us about the feelings you have about your debut campaign with the club.
Nkosinathi Sibisi: Words can't describe how I am feeling, you know. It's been quite a journey with Orlando Pirates. It's my first season, as you've mentioned. That's why I came here, to win trophies with the club and continue making history with the club. For me, it's been a good season and for the whole team as well.
TM: In the MTN8 final, you had to come off with an injury very early on, but you completed the whole game in the Nedbank Cup against Sekhukhune United. Did you have any fears about déjà vu in your second final with Bucs?
NS: Yes, I got injured in the MTN8. It's always nice to play such big games, cup finals. Those are special moments. For me, I took it as it came, and I tried to handle my emotions. I still had a bit of nightmares from that game in the MTN8, but I was glad that I was able to complete the 90 minutes in the Nedbank Cup and, most importantly, we won the game.
TM: It looked like the game would go to extra-time before Terrence Dzvukamanja scored the winner in stoppage time. How ready were you for extratime, considering you had gone all of 120 minutes against Venda Football Academy, Dondol Stars and Kaizer Chiefs in previous rounds?
NS: We went to extra-time three times… Dondol, Venda and Chiefs. We were trying by all means to finish the game within the 90 minutes, but we always prepared for every scenario. If we had to go to extra-time, then we definitely would have been ready. We knew we would have to dig deep and we would have to continue fighting to the end, but the goal came at the right moment and who else to score the goal but Dzvukamanja? I am very happy for him.
TM: On top of winning the two trophies, the team finished second to qualify for the CAF Champions League. What are you looking forward to the most when it comes to that competition?
NS: It's mostly the experience because it will be the first time I get to play in the Champions League. So, it's about the experience I will get when I am there. Hopefully we can go out there and get another star for the team. I think that experience is needed as a player because sometimes when you are in the national team, you get those big physical players, so you have to test yourself against that. So, I think it's going to be crucial to be competing there.
TM: On a personal note, you were a regular with the team, playing 35 matches in all competitions. Did you think the transition from Abafana Bes'thende would be so seamless?
NS: For me, the transition from Golden Arrows to Pirates was smooth. Pirates is a big club and there are big expectations. You try by all means to give your best when you get an opportunity because there are other guys waiting for an opportunity and they are just as good as me. So, I try by all means to fight and secure my spot. But I describe this season as a good one. I never even thought, in my wildest dreams, that I would come to Pirates and win two trophies in my first season, so it has definitely been a good one.
TM: What are the differences you've noticed about the two clubs?
NS: That this is a big club. That's the major difference because from the moment I signed, everyone knew who I was. My life took a big turn and from there, I got to see how big of a club this is. I try my best to handle the pressure because we are in a business where we have to perform under pressure. I try to do my best under the pressure. I've actually grown as a player because the pressure that comes with Pirates is high. Not to say there is no pressure from Arrows, but it's a bigger club. The fanbase is huge, and you have to give your all every time you get a chance because there are good guys waiting for that chance. I think I've done well because coming from Durban, you know the transition is not always easy to come here to Jo'burg and be in the starting XI. So, I think the transition has been good. The guys I am with are actually helping me a lot to improve, not only as a player, but a human being as well.
TM: Why did you choose the Soweto giants, as we understand Mamelodi Sundowns were also interested in your services?
NS: For me, Pirates has been my first love. Everyone at home supports Pirates and I grew up supporting Pirates. For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. I actually did not even think twice. When Mike (Makaab, his agent) told me about the deal, I said, "I am going there." I told him that I'd love to play there.
TM: How interested were the Brazilians in securing your signature?
NS: Yes, there was interest, but let's just leave it at that. There was interest.
TM: When you made the decision to join one of the biggest clubs in the country, was competition for places a factor for you?
NS: Maybe style of play, because I thought I'd be more suited to come here and I think the proof is in the pudding, of how smooth-sailing the move has gone. For me,I t's been a wonderful season. I can't even describe it. It had itsups and downs, but I am glad we finally pulled through and we came out with silverware to celebrate.
TM: At the time of signing with Pirates, did you know who the coach was going to be?
NS: No, I didn't know.
TM: So, how were you able to determine the style of play?
NS: I actually spoke to coach Mandla (Ncikazi) before I came here. I spoke to him and he told me exactly what he thought, so I took that into consideration. It's sometimes heartwarming when you come into an environment and you find someone that you have worked with before. I worked with him before and I would say that also played a role.
TM: How much of a role did coach Ncikazi play in helping you settle in?
NS: He has been huge because he has been more of a father-figure to me, you know. I can communicate with him, and he had his advice for me and I try to take what he tells me and I work on it.
TM: How did it feel being nominated for the DStv Premiership Defender of the Season award?
NS: The nomination is quite nice, but for me it's not about the individual awards. I'd rather have the Nedbank Cup trophy than have Defender of the Season. So, for me, it's not about the individual awards.
TM: In terms of Bafana Bafana, how important will these next few months be to try to make it into the final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in January?
NS: It will be crucial. It's every player's dream to represent the country and Afcon is the highest level. I am just praying that I will stay injury-free, and I will keep pushing.
TM: Thank you so much for your time, Nkosinathi. We hope you enjoy the off-season and get some much-needed rest.
NS: Thank you. Have a good one.
