Sibisi reveals message to Pirates youngsters ahead of Champions League test
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has revealed how the club’s senior players are preparing their younger teammates for the demands of CAF Champions League football without instilling fear in them.
The Buccaneers face Namibian champions African Stars in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie at Botswana’s National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, 17 October. A place in the group stages is at stake over the two legs.
For Sibisi, those preparations extend beyond the training pitch. Conversations within the squad have centred on understanding the physical demands of continental football and the challenges of playing away from home.
However, the defender stressed that making the younger players aware of those challenges should not come at the expense of their freedom to express themselves.
SIBISI: WE WANT THEM TO PLAY WITHOUT FEAR
“It’s a different conversation to what we usually have in our local league,” said Sibisi.
“The Champions League is one level higher. It’s a bit more physical, as the coach mentioned. It’s difficult to play away; you have to try and survive that.
“I think if you try and survive your away games, then you stand a better chance of making it through to the group stages.”
The Pirates skipper explained that the intention is to equip the youngsters with an understanding of what awaits them while encouraging them to show the qualities that earned them their opportunities.
“It’s conversations that we’ve been having, but not to instil fear,” he continued.
“We still want them to play and express themselves and showcase what they can do. Hopefully, tomorrow we can get a glimpse of that.”
His comments underline the balance Pirates are seeking: the resilience to handle a difficult away assignment and the confidence to impose themselves on the game.
With the opening leg taking place in Botswana, Sibisi’s emphasis is on ensuring the Buccaneers give themselves a strong platform from which to pursue qualification.
PIRATES ADJUST TO SCORCHING BOTSWANA HEAT
Beyond preparing the younger players mentally, Pirates have also been adjusting to the conditions in Gaborone.
Sibisi acknowledged the heat but pointed out that both teams would have to contend with it.
“We’re just trying to acclimatise as best we can, trying to adjust to the weather conditions,” he said.
“As you said, it’s scorching hot, and I think it’s going to be hot for both teams.”
While the conditions will test them, the reception in Botswana has helped Orlando Pirates settle ahead of the encounter.
“We received a warm welcome from the ambassador; there was singing, and there was dancing. It felt a bit like home,” Sibisi added.
“We know we’re home even though we’re not far away from home. It’s been a lovely welcome. The people of Botswana have been pleasant, and they have been treating us very well.
“For us, it’s just to get the job done.”