Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal—with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season. The defender has been a pillar of the Buccaneers’ defence since joining from Golden Arrows in 2022, and took over the captaincy in 2024/25, making his future a major talking point among supporters.

Now former Pirates goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane has offered a fascinating insider perspective on why talks may be taking time. Speaking to Soccer Laduma, he explained the club’s deliberate approach: “They don’t like to do things early, and that’s good—it keeps players pushing until the very end. Offering an extension too early can take away that hunger and desire to keep performing.”

Mabokgwane pointed to the example of Deon Hotto, who only secured fresh terms late last season—and kept delivering right through. He also praised the club’s broader squad building: “Leadership has done a tremendous job blending young talent with experienced players. It’s hard to get that balance right, but they’ve pulled it off.”

Sibisi can technically open talks with other clubs from January, but the expectation remains that he will stay. He is central to the team’s plans, and Pirates hold the right of first refusal. The message from the club’s former keeper is clear: don’t panic—this is how they operate. The captain is still very much in the picture, and if he keeps performing, his patience is likely to be rewarded.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/sibisis-contract-situation-explained-by-former-orlando-pirates-star/