Bafana Bafana stand-in captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is grateful to coach Hugo Broos for standing by him during times of scrutiny regarding his national team call-ups.
Sibisi has been one of the ever-present players in the national team set-up since Broos took the reins more than four years ago. However, his selections were not always based on form, as he was often in and out of the Orlando Pirates defensive unit due to injuries, poor form and suspensions.
Broos admitted that it was not easy to continue selecting Sibisi when he was not playing regularly, but believed his presence and natural skillset remained valuable to the team. Fortunately for the Belgian coach, his faith has recently been rewarded. Sibisi featured prominently for Pirates this past season, missing only three Premiership matches.
Luke Le Roux on the integration of young players into the Bafana Bafana team#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/xylpih9wsF
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As a result, Broos named him one of the temporary captains for the current international window, alongside Fawaaz Basadien, stepping in for regular captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Basadien captained the team in the first international friendly against Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last Friday, which ended in a goalless draw.
Sibisi, meanwhile, is set to lead the side against Mozambique in another friendly at the same venue on Tuesday at 7.30pm, and he is thankful to Broos for his continued belief.
“It’s a privilege and an honour for me,” said Sibisi, who is also vice-captain at Pirates.
“I’d like to thank the coach for showing confidence in me. We have been together since the very first camp he started.
“There were question marks at times whenever I was here. So, to be able to lead the team tomorrow (tonight) will be a huge honour for me.”
Khulumani Ndamane shares the emotions he felt on Friday when he made his Bafana Bafana debut against Tanzania and also won Man of the Match.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/Ch9FXPlsHe
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 8, 2025
Sibisi has formed a solid partnership with youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi at centre-back for Pirates after the latter was promoted to the senior team by coach José Riveiro. That partnership is set to continue at international level, as Broos confirmed in a pre-match press conference that the duo could start together against the Mambas.
“I’ve played with Mbokazi at club level, so it won’t be any different in the national team,” Sibisi said.
“He’s a very humble boy, and he takes instructions well. So, it’s very easy for me to play alongside him. I don’t think it’ll be a big adjustment for him. As the coach has mentioned, it might be a perfect choice for me to partner him – to give him guidance and the confidence to take his chance.”
Including Sibisi and Mbokazi, there are six other Pirates players in the current Bafana squad, making up the largest contingent from any club. However, the 23-member squad selected for the two friendlies has gelled well, with no signs of division along club lines.
“The camaraderie is key. I think everyone is playing their part – regardless of whether it’s guys from Pirates or Stellies. When we come together, we are representing Bafana,” Sibisi said.
“We have to put that aside and play as one. We know that if we play as one, there’s a better chance of us winning the game ahead of us.”
Sibisi is also in camp with some of the defenders – Basadien and Thabo Moloisane (both from Stellenbosch) – who could be his rivals for the PSL Defender of the Season award.
“The guys you’ve mentioned are really top, top players. Fawaaz and Thabo have been doing well for Stellenbosch,” Sibisi said.
“It’s always nice when we meet. There’s no sort of competition between us. We just try to do the best we can for our clubs and hope that is rewarded.
“As for the Defender of the Season award, we’ll just let God take His way. If it is meant to be, then it will be. If not, we will just continue.”
