'There's no pressure' - Nkosinathi Sibisi ahead of Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi says there's no pressure in the Bucs camp ahead of their clash against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers head into the match on the back of two defeats in a row to Mamelodi Sundowns and Casric Stars in the Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup, respectively.

When pressed on whether the back-to-back defeats pile up pressure on Pirates, Sibisi dismissed the suggestions, noting the team has been in a similar situation before.

“No, there's no sort of pressure, we've been in this situation before in the beginning of the season where we lost two consecutive games in the league, so we've brought ourselves to where we are right now,” said the Bucs skipper.

"So, why can't we do it starting on Saturday? For us, we are just keeping positive to say we can take the game on Saturday.

Though Abdeslam Ouaddou's men have lost two games on the trot yet again, the defender has highlighted what sets the two scenarios apart, and says the squad drew harsh lessons from the first rodeo.

“I think it's lessons that were quite harsh but I think in the first two games that we lost, I didn't think we created enough chances, which is not the case now. We are creating chances, it's a matter of us not converting,” Sibisi added.

"But not to put any pressure on the boys to say now they have to try something different. If they can't score in open play why can't we help them during set-pieces. So, that's been the emphasis during the week to say if the guys can't score, let's try and help them with set-pieces as well.

Pirates will be eager to maintain their four-game unbeaten run against Chiefs in the league, with their rivals' last triumph dating back to February 2023.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.