Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi says the Buccaneers are motivated by the chance to make history as they begin their MTN8 title defence against Durban City on Saturday.
Pirates have dominated South Africa’s premier knockout competition in recent years, winning the last four editions, and will now attempt to become the first club to lift the trophy five times in succession.
The defending champions welcome Durban City to the Orlando Amstel Arena for the quarter-final clash, with Sibisi admitting their remarkable run in the competition has created a strong desire within the squad to maintain their dominance.
Speaking at the MTN8 launch in Randburg this week, the Bucs skipper said the feeling of success in the tournament remains a major motivation for the players.
“It’s a competition that we are so used to being at and so used to winning it. We just want to keep that feeling,” said Sibisi.
“The boys have prepared as well as possible for the game on Saturday. It’s always nice to be the curtain-raiser and try to set the tone.
“For us, we’re looking forward to playing Durban City. We know it’s going to be a difficult game, but I’m sure if we bring our A-game, we’ll be able to get a positive result.”
While Pirates enter the fixture as favourites based on their recent record, Sibisi insists there will be no complacency against a Durban City side that has already shown they can compete with the league’s biggest clubs.
The two teams met during the previous campaign at Orlando Amstel Arena, where Durban City pushed Pirates all the way despite eventually falling short.
“We saw what they did to us at E’sgodini (Orlando Amstel Arena) last season,” Sibisi said.
“We were cruising, but they almost spoiled the party. That alone tells us the kind of team we’re coming up against, so we have to be switched on from the first minute.”
Durban City arrive at the fixture with confidence after an impressive return to the Betway Premiership last season, which saw them finish eighth and win the Nedbank Cup.
They also begin the campaign under a new technical team led by Ben Khalil Youssef, making the MTN8 encounter another early test of their progress.
For Pirates, however, the objective remains clear.
The Buccaneers have built a winning culture in the competition and will be eager to continue that momentum under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
A victory on Saturday would move Pirates closer to an unprecedented fifth successive MTN8 crown and strengthen their reputation as the dominant force in the tournament.
