Zwane expects tense MTN8 final as Pirates face Sundowns in Durban

Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane believes the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns will be difficult to call, with both clubs carrying significant pressure into the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October.

The rivals will meet in Durban immediately after the FIFA break, with the venue confirmed by the PSL.

Pirates are aiming to retain the trophy after winning the competition in each of the past four seasons. They secured their place in the final with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals.

Sundowns reached the decider after overcoming Golden Arrows on the away-goal rule, following a 3-3 aggregate draw between the two sides.

Zwane says Sundowns’ recent lack of domestic silverware, combined with the expectations surrounding the club, will make the contest especially competitive.

“That one is going to be very tricky. I think what makes it very tricky is that Sundowns has not won a domestic trophy for a while now, and they are under a lot of pressure from supporters to take this competition seriously, that ‘we want to dominate on the continent and locally’,” Zwane told KICKOFF.

The former Pirates captain believes Sundowns’ performances in the MTN8 have shown a clear desire to win the tournament, despite being tested by Golden Arrows in the semi-finals.

“It’s not good enough to dominate the continent and be a laughingstock locally, you see. So, I think in the MTN8 you’ve seen Sundowns have been firing, and you can see them when they want to win the game.

“Arrows troubled them a few times, but because they wanted to win… But Pirates are clear; they play every final to win it. So, it’s going to be very tricky and also very tight,” Zwane added.

Bafana Bafana places increase pressure

The match will also provide an opportunity for players hoping to strengthen their claims for selection by Bafana Bafana, according to Zwane.

Pirates and Sundowns are two of the national team’s main sources of players, while those currently on the fringes of the squad will be looking to impress before the next group of international fixtures.

“Also, because the two clubs are the major suppliers of Bafana Bafana talent, there’s a lot at stake. There are players on the fringes as well, who would want to be considered for the next set of games. So there’s a lot to play for,” he said.

Pirates will enter the final seeking to defend their title, while Sundowns are attempting to win the MTN8 for the first time in a long period.

“Pirates want to defend the cup; Sundowns want to win it. They haven’t won it in a long time; it’s going to be interesting, even difficult to predict the winner,” Zwane said.