Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi must set the tone in the dressing room, says Happy Jele.
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Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has thrown his support behind current skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi, while calling for stronger leadership as the Buccaneers’ Betway Premiership title push intensifies.
Pirates will be looking to return to the summit of the standings when they travel to face the inconsistent TS Galaxy FC on Sunday in what has quickly become a must-win encounter.
The Buccaneers surrendered the initiative in the title race this past week after being held at home by Siwelele FC, a result that saw them slip two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
With both teams having nine matches remaining, the margin for error has all but disappeared.
That context has placed even greater focus on leadership within the Pirates camp — particularly on Sibisi, who has faced scrutiny in recent weeks.
Jele, however, believes the defender has the qualities to lead the side through this crucial phase.
Speaking at the announcement of a new partnership between the Happy Jele Foundation and Liberty Coal on Friday in Johannesburg, the treble winner offered jewels of advice for Sibisi.
“Sibisi is a brilliant player, I love him as a captain and watching him play football,” Jele said. “For me he just needs more character, because sometimes I feel he loses his character when things aren’t going well for him.”
With the title race entering its decisive stretch, Jele stressed that leadership is not only about individual performance but also about influencing the team in difficult moments.
“If he can have good character and be selfless because sometimes as a leader you need to be selfless,” he said.
“Worry less about your performance but more about what you’re contributing to the team.”
The former Pirates skipper also highlighted the importance of managing mistakes, particularly in high-pressure situations.
“Football is a game of mistakes and as a captain, there’s a lot of things you can do wrong,” Jele explained.
“But it’s not about you at the end of the day. So if he can try and minimize those mistakes, he could be fantastic.”
Jele went on to compare Sibisi’s leadership style to his own, describing him as a quiet figure who leads more through actions than words.
“He’s a silent leader, he reminds me of myself in a way because I used to be silent and I’d rather show people with my actions,” he added.
“He needs to develop that character because at the end of the day, there’s another ten people on the field that can help win the game.”
As Pirates prepare for a potentially defining clash against TS Galaxy, Sibisi’s response — both in performance and leadership — could prove pivotal in determining whether the Buccaneers reclaim control of the title race.