Why Nkosinathi Sibisi Was Emotional After Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 Triumph

Holifil

30 Mar, 2025

Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi opened up about his emotional reaction following Orlando Pirates' thrilling victory in the MTN8 final.
The South African international played a pivotal role, covering the entire 90 minutes after stepping in for the injured Olisa Ndah.
After facing injury setbacks in the past two MTN8 finals, Sibisi finally had a chance to shine and celebrate this season.

Hey there, sports fans! Let me tell you a story about Nkosinathi Sibisi, the Bafana Bafana defender who wore his heart on his sleeve after Orlando Pirates clinched the MTN8 title on Saturday night. You could see the emotion in his eyes—it wasn’t just about winning; it was personal. Stick with me, and I’ll break it down for you.

So, here’s the deal. Sibisi started the match against Stellenbosch FC, stepping into the lineup because of an injury to Olisa Ndah. And guess what? He played every single minute of those 90 grueling minutes. This wasn’t just another game for him—it marked a significant moment in his career. For the first time in three consecutive MTN8 finals, he managed to stay injury-free and contribute fully to the team’s success.

The Pirates didn’t mess around this time. They dominated Stellenbosch FC, securing a 3-1 victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It was their third consecutive MTN8 title, capping off an incredible run under coach Jose Riveiro. But let’s zoom in on Sibisi’s journey because, honestly, it’s pretty inspiring.

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Orlando Pirates players celebrate lifting the MTN8 title after defeating Stellenbosch FC in the final. Photo: @iDiskiTimes. Source: Twitter

Inside Sibisi’s Heart: Why He Got Emotional

In a candid interview after the match, Sibisi opened up about why this final meant so much to him. He wasn’t holding back, folks. This wasn’t just any win—it was redemption, a moment he’d prayed for since those previous finals where injuries derailed his participation.

You see, Sibisi has been part of all three consecutive MTN8 finals for the Pirates. But the first two weren’t exactly smooth sailing. Back in 2022, he started the game against AmaZulu FC but had to leave the pitch after just five minutes due to an injury. Last season, against Mamelodi Sundowns, he lasted only 34 minutes before being substituted. This year, though? This year was different. This year, he finished the game strong.

“This final means a lot to me; they say the third time’s the charm, and it’s true,” Sibisi said, his voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve played in two finals here, and both times, I got injured. So today, I woke up and prayed that I’d play the whole game and finish strong.”

“I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to do that. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who supported us. We worked hard together, and lifting that trophy feels amazing.”

What’s in It for the Pirates? The MTN8 Prize Money

How Much Did Orlando Pirates Take Home?

Now, let’s talk about the rewards. As Briefly News reported earlier, Orlando Pirates walked away with a nice chunk of cash after their MTN8 victory. The prize money this year was different from last season, so it’s a sweet bonus for the team. Of course, the runner-up, Stellenbosch FC, and all the other participating teams also received their share of the rewards.

But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture here. For Sibisi and the rest of the Pirates squad, this wasn’t just about the money. It was about proving themselves, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating a hard-earned triumph. And if you ask me, that’s what makes sports so magical. It’s not just about winning—it’s about the journey and the people you share it with.