Jordaan backs Orlando Pirates to retain MTN8 title despite Sundowns threat

Hilton Jordaan believes Orlando Pirates will win the MTN8 for a fifth consecutive season, despite identifying Mamelodi Sundowns as the only remaining side capable of stopping them.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back expects his old club to overcome Golden Arrows in their semi-final, with the first leg scheduled for Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. However, he says Sundowns’ likely progress will not change his view that Orlando Pirates remain favourites to lift the trophy.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates side will face Sekhukhune United in the other semi-final at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Both semi-final matches are scheduled to start at 15:00.

Jordaan told KickOff that Sundowns could provide the biggest obstacle to Orlando Pirates’ hopes of another MTN8 triumph, but he still expects the defending champions to prevail.

“As much as Sundowns are the only team in the semi-final that can stop Pirates from winning their fifth MTN8 cup in a row, I still think Pirates will win again this season,” Jordaan tells KickOff.

A similar prediction was made about Sundowns last season, when many believed they would prevent Orlando Pirates from claiming the competition. Jordaan says the outcome of that campaign has influenced his assessment this time around.

“Last season, it was the same thing; people thought Sundowns would be a stumbling block for Pirates, but Pirates surprised us all.

“From the first leg, I think Sundowns will be too strong for Golden Arrows. Looking at their start, Arrows have played three draws in their first three league matches this season.

“So, they are not scoring goals.

“Sundowns will be too strong. Sundowns have one or two injuries and one or two players who don’t want to be there anymore, but due to their experience, I think they will win.

Jordaan also believes Sundowns should attempt to settle the tie in the opening match rather than leave the outcome uncertain until the second leg. He suggested that a commanding first-leg victory would allow the club to manage its squad in the return fixture.

“If I were the Sundowns coach, I would go all out in the first leg, try to win 3-0, and then make a few changes in the second leg. Rest some players since some have just come back from the World Cup,” adds the erstwhile centre-back.

The MTN8 semi-final between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United takes place on Saturday at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Sundowns begin their two-legged contest against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

Despite acknowledging concerns over injuries and players who may no longer want to remain at Sundowns, Jordaan regards the club’s experience as strong enough to carry them past Golden Arrows. Even so, his overall prediction remains unchanged: Orlando Pirates will retain the MTN8 title.