Recently appointed Orlando Pirates skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi has backed new boys Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis to hit the ground running.
Sibisi was speaking after the announcement of this weekend’s MTN8 fixtures, which will see Ezimnyama Ngenkani begin their title defence against Polokwane City on Saturday. Sekhukhune United will also host TS Galaxy.
And on Sunday, Stellenbosch FC welcome AmaZulu to the Western Cape, while Mamelodi Sundowns will tackle Richards Bay.
Appollis and Mbule were signed during the off-season, and the supporters will be hoping they can play a key role as the club aims to challenge perennial league champions Sundowns for the title.
Appollis’ signing has been greeted with optimism by fans, while they have been more cautious with Mbule, who has a history of poor discipline at his previous clubs.
However, new captain Sibisi is confident that South African football fans will witness a Mbule that the country has not seen since his days with SuperSport United.
“Of course he is happy, there is no reason not to be happy. He has come to win titles with us,” Sibisi said about Mbule, as quoted by KickOff.
“That is another quality player. To mention him, he is the Master Chef, so we know what he is capable of, and I think we will all get to witness another Sipho Mbule at Pirates.”
Sibisi was also keen to see Appollis, who has become a key player with the national team, torment defenders in the upcoming season.
“Oswin is a quality player… He is going to add to what we already have. I think it’s going to be a special game for him to play against his former team.
“I think he is looking forward to winning titles also with us, and it starts on Saturday against his former team.”
MTN8 Fixtures
Saturday: Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City; Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy
Sunday: Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu; Mamelodi Sundowns vs Richards Bay
IOL Sport
