Arthur Sales relishing Sundowns’ MTN8 final showdown with Orlando Pirates

Arthur Sales says he would rather play Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates than travel to a smaller stadium for a midweek fixture, as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for one of South Africa’s biggest matches.

The two clubs meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where their rivalry has produced a series of intense contests. For Sales, the occasion represents exactly the kind of fixture he wants to be involved in.

“I think the tough games in South Africa are against Pirates. For many years, we have stayed close in the league. We compete for cups and the league, so I think it is the biggest game for us in South Africa,” the Brazilian attacker said during the MTN8 final media open day at Chloorkop.

“Of course, it is a big game – two big clubs in one final. It is different playing Sundowns and Pirates in a league match. Now it is a final, and I am happy to play this kind of game.

“I prefer to play this final rather than on a Wednesday, travelling to a small stadium. I prefer these games because of the level.”

Sales missed the opening weeks of the season because of injury but has since returned and is available for selection against the Buccaneers.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso values the forward, whose goals and assists could be important as the club attempt to end a four-year wait for a domestic knockout trophy.

The Pretoria club have also lost their past two finals against Pirates. Their most recent meeting in an MTN8 final came in 2023, also at Moses Mabhida Stadium, when Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine saved three penalties in the shootout to defeat a Sundowns team managed by Rulani Mokwena.

Those memories will still be present for some of the Sundowns players involved that night, adding further significance to Saturday’s encounter.

Sales’ return gives Sundowns another attacking option against an Orlando Pirates defence that has been difficult to breach this season. The Buccaneers have conceded one goal in the MTN8 and one in the Betway Premiership.

Cardoso has made clear how important the competition is to the club, according to Sales.

“When the year started, the coach said, ‘I want to fight for this cup,’ because Cardoso has not won it yet. We see a lot of people talking about this game. Our answer is that we want this cup.”