Orlando Pirates Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi Makes Honest Admission After Winning Betway Premiership Opener

Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates may have opened the 2026/27 season with all three points, but captain Nkosinathi Sibisi believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Pirates kicked off their title defence with a comfortable 2–0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, making a winning start to the new Betway Premiership campaign.

While the result delighted the Buccaneers faithful, Sibisi admitted the performance was not yet at the level the squad expects from itself.

“It’s a really important one,” Sibisi told Pirates media after the match. “I think we had to grind this one out. It wasn’t the best of performances, but we’re coming from pre-season. The legs are still heavy, the boys are still trying to find the rhythm, but it’s important to get the victory and build on it.”

Pirates took control of the contest in the first half when Oswin Appollis broke the deadlock with a free-kick that took a fortunate deflection before finding the back of the net.

Milford remained competitive for much of the afternoon and frustrated the defending champions for long spells, but Tshepang Moremi ensured there would be no late drama. The winger produced a composed left-footed finish in the 85th minute to wrap up a deserved victory for the Buccaneers.

Orlando Pirates Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi Makes Honest Admission After Winning Betway Premiership Opener (Image: Orlando Pirates)

The opening weekend of the Betway Premiership has already produced an intriguing battle at the top of the standings.

Pirates begin the campaign in second place, level on points with their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who moved to the summit on goal difference after defeating newly promoted Kruger United 3–1 at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.

Although it is only the opening round, both Soweto giants have wasted no time laying down an early marker in the race to challenge for league honours.

With a winning start to their Betway Premiership title defence secured, Pirates now turn their attention to another trophy they will be eager to retain.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players will begin the defence of their MTN8 crown on Saturday afternoon when they host Durban City FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

With confidence boosted by an opening-day league victory, Pirates will be aiming to carry that momentum into the knockout competition as they begin their quest to successfully defend the first trophy of the South African football calendar.