Rival inspiration: How Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi inspired Chiefs’ Xolani Cossa

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October 25, 2026 4:39 pm Xolani Cossa. Picture by Kaizer Chiefs

In a league defined by rivalry, inspiration can come from the most unlikely place. Rising Kaizer Chiefs star Xolani Cossa has revealed how he has drawn strength from watching Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi overcome relentless criticism to lead the Buccaneers to glory.

Cossa, currently on his second successive loan spell at Gomora United after spending the 2025/26 season in Botswana at Black Lions FC, says Sibisi’s thick skin has given him hope as he fights to prove he belongs in Amakhosi’s first team.

The youngster admits he can easily be doubted, but says Sibisi’s story of resilience and developing mental toughness has taught him that perseverance pays. Cossa made those remarks in an interview with FARPost.

“I have seen the likes of Sibisi [Nkosinathi] from Orlando Pirates. That guy has given me much aspiration to say anything is possible. He once faced doubters in his career, and now he is showing them what he’s capable of,” Cossa told FARPost.

“I have been looking up to him, and I have learnt a thing or two from seeing him close by during friendlies we played as Gomora against Pirates. I got to see how he is handling the situation on the field.”

Sibisi himself has spoken about having broad shoulders after being labelled the weak link at Pirates, struggling for regular starts under Jose Riveiro before becoming a key figure under Abdeslam Ouaddou and leading the Buccaneers to their first league title in 14 years.

Even at national team level, he was not spared, but former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos kept faith in him, consistently selecting him for national duty, including the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournaments in Ivory Coast and Morocco, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Cossa, who was part of Chiefs’ pre-season setup before being sent out on loan again, says he is determined to prove his doubters wrong just like Sibisi.

“Every team has people who doubt and doubt your job. I need to be careful and show that I’m ready; I was in that setup when the [2026/27] season started. So I have to prove myself to them [Chiefs coaches and management] and say I’m ready for that level,” added the promising left centre-back.

The defender will be hoping to use his spell at Gomora United to gain regular game time and return to Naturena ready to challenge for a first-team spot.

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