Mhlongo expects Pirates and Sundowns to deliver in MTN8 final

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Benson Mhlongo does not believe South Africa’s current international commitments will give Pirates a significant advantage in the MTN8 final.

Both clubs have supplied a large number of players to Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad, but Sundowns face concerns over the physical demands of the international break. South Africa’s busy schedule includes Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by an international friendly against Egypt on Sunday 04 October.

Sundowns have also been affected by injuries during the qualifiers, with Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Aubrey Modiba all sustaining setbacks.

As a result, Pirates are expected to arrive at Moses Mabhida Stadium with a fresher squad than their opponents. Mhlongo, however, says the depth available to both clubs should prevent the international programme from determining the outcome.

“Both teams have got depth; both teams they’ve got replacements. Even though Sundowns suffered injuries, it gives other players a chance to show up,” Mhlongo told KickOff.

“This will test the character of the Sundowns squad; both teams have enough players to replace whoever might not be playing.”

The former player also rejected the idea that fatigue should be used as an excuse, pointing out that both teams have had players involved during the international break.

“Nobody should complain about fatigue; both teams’ players were used during the international break, so there is no excuse,” he said.

Mhlongo did, however, identify the absence of Relebohile Mofokeng as a major blow for Pirates. He believes the youngster’s influence could be particularly important in a match between two sides familiar with each other.

“It’s gonna be tough for my team without Relebohile Mofokeng, because of that I see the cup final go all the way to the penalties. He makes a big difference, that boy. He makes life easier for other players. He was a key player in this fixture; they knew him very well.”

The MTN8 final will therefore bring together a Pirates side expected to benefit from greater rest and a Sundowns team forced to assess the condition of several key players after Bafana Bafana’s demanding programme.

Mhlongo nevertheless believes Sundowns have sufficient replacements to cope with their injuries and maintain their challenge, while Pirates must find a way to manage Mofokeng’s absence in a game he expects to be decided by a penalty shootout.