Nthethe backs Sundowns to end Pirates’ MTN8 dominance

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thabo Nthethe believes his old club will beat Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, although he expects the champions to face a difficult task.

Sundowns have lost the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals to the Buccaneers in their previous meetings, increasing the importance of the Wafa-Wafa decider as they seek to avoid another defeat by their rivals.

Pirates are slight favourites after winning the trophy in each of the past four seasons, but Nthethe expects Sundowns to approach the match differently and ultimately lift the cup.

“Sundowns are playing good football … [and] I see [them] winning this one, but it won’t be easy for them. Pirates are favourites, but I think Sundowns are going to take the trophy on Saturday,” Nthethe told Sowetan.

He believes Sundowns’ previous struggles against Pirates in cup finals will influence their preparation for the contest.

“[Sundowns] are aware that they have been struggling, and Pirates have been winning this cup. Now their approach might be a little different in this match,” he said.

Nthethe also credited coach Miguel Cardoso with preparing the team for the demands of the final, while acknowledging the strength of the defending champions.

“Also, I think coach [Miguel] Cardoso worked with the boys and knows how to win this game. But it won’t be easy, like I said, for them to win it because Pirates have been doing well, and they are the defending champions of this trophy,” he added.

“Definitely, I’m sure they still want to defend that, and Sundowns will have to fight for everything. The favourite, I think most will say Pirates, but I foresee Sundowns playing much better.”

Cup success provides extra motivation

Sundowns will enter the final after winning the Fifa African Asian Pacific Cup shortly before the Fifa international break, and Nthethe believes that achievement can strengthen their desire to secure another trophy.

“I think it’s a good motivation for them and with how they have been playing in the league as well. I think that cup was a motivation for them to say we can also go all the way,” he said.

Nthethe also identified Sundowns’ greater experience in midfield as a possible advantage. He pointed to the presence of Nuno Santos, Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende, contrasting them with what he described as Pirates’ younger midfield.

The former defender said that experience could help Sundowns cope with the pressure of a final in which Pirates are seeking to retain their MTN8 crown.