Sundowns striker Arthur Sales expects toughest test against Pirates in MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Arthur Sales says Orlando Pirates provide the club’s most demanding domestic challenge as the sides prepare to meet in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 6pm.

Sundowns have dominated their league meetings with Pirates in recent years, but the Buccaneers have consistently produced strong performances when knockout silverware has been at stake. Pirates won the MTN8 in 2023 before claiming the Nedbank Cup in 2024.

“The tough games (for Sundowns) in SA are against Pirates because for many years, they have been close [to Sundowns], competing for cups and [the] league,” Sales told the media.

“It is the biggest and toughest game for us in SA.”

Sundowns’ most recent domestic knockout success came in 2022, when they defeated Marumo Gallants 2-1 to lift the league trophy in Rustenburg.

Sales, 24, said winning the MTN8 had been identified as a key target at the start of the season, particularly because the club had gone some time without lifting the trophy.

“When the year started, the coach [Miguel Cardoso] said we must fight for this cup because the club has not won it for a while. We want this cup and will go all out,” he said.

The forward believes the occasion will have a different intensity from a normal league fixture, with two major clubs competing for a trophy.

“Of course, it is a big game; two big clubs fighting to win the final. It’s different when the two teams are playing in a league game … I’m happy to play this kind of match.”

Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise acknowledged Pirates’ recent record in the competition but said his side would approach the final believing it held the advantage.

“For us, this is an important cup that we need to win. It has been a while since we have won it. Pirates have been dominating and winning this cup, so it’s important for us to win it,” Mkhulise said.

He also rejected the suggestion that Sundowns could be considered underdogs despite Pirates’ successive knockout victories.

“Yes, I think we have the advantage because at Sundowns, we can never be underdogs. We always have the advantage because we have the best leadership, coaches and the best players.”