'We can do something major this season' - Orlando Pirates captain | OneFootball

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Bucs skipper optimistic of staging historic campaign

Photo: Nkosinathi Sibisi

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi believes the Buccaneers can stage a historic campaign as they continue their quest for the elusive Betway Premiership title.

The Soweto giants lost ground in the title race after a defeat to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who returned to the summit of the table following a win over AmaZulu on Tuesday.

Pirates, who are level on 38 points with the Tshwane heavyweights, were also eliminated from the Nedbank Cup in the Round of 16 by second-tier outfit Casric Stars.

Sibisi, however, retains confidence that his team will beat the slump and return to the heights that made them champions-elect, with their last championship dating back to the 2011/12 season.

“Look, for us it's just to try and manage the situation because I think we all know our supporters have high expectations, so as we as players, we have high expectations of ourselves. So, for us it's just to keep on doing what we've been doing,” said the Pirates skipper.

"I don't think we can become a bad team overnight, these past two results don't define who we are. I think we can go on and do something major this season.

With a section of the Bucs faithful ringing alarm bells over the last two results, the defender has called for optimism, noting that Pirates can leapfrog Sundowns with Kaizer Chiefs' scalp in the next game.

"To our supporters, as I've said, I don't think we've become a bad team after two games. For them it's just to keep believing just as we do. We know we could have done better in the previous two games but that's water under the bridge now.

"We are focused on the upcoming Soweto derby and we know if we win that game we still go back to the top of the table.

Pirates will lock horns with Chiefs in the famed Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15h30), and will be determined to maintain their four-game unbeaten run against their rivals in the league.