Mamelodi Sundowns refuse underdog tag ahead of MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise says his side will not accept being regarded as underdogs when they face Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Orlando Pirates have won the competition in each of the past four seasons and will attempt to secure a fifth consecutive title in the sold-out final, which is scheduled to begin at 6pm.

Mamelodi Sundowns last lifted the trophy in 2021, but will go into the match with renewed confidence after claiming the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup. They beat Al Ahli Saudi in the final.

Mkhulise believes that recent success has given Mamelodi Sundowns an important psychological advantage before the meeting in Durban.

“Heading into this game, I think we do have some sort of advantage and upper hand because we recently won a trophy,” he said while speaking to the media at the club’s training base in Chloorkop, Midrand, on Wednesday.

“Mamelodi Sundowns will never be underdogs, so that alone will always give us an edge against our opponents. We have the best leadership, coaches and players in the club so we will always have an advantage.”

The Brazilians have dominated the domestic league over the past decade, winning the title repeatedly, but that control has not always been matched in cup competitions.

Mkhulise recognised that knockout football presents a different challenge to the long league campaign, where consistency over an extended period is decisive.

“It is not easy to play cup games. It is not like the league because, as they say, a league is a marathon, so in cup games, teams give it their all.

“It’s not that we don’t give it our all, but we will try and give it our all this time around and hopefully win this final,” he added.

The occasion carries added significance for Mkhulise, who comes from KwaZulu-Natal. Victory would allow him to collect another winner’s medal while lifting the trophy in his home province.

“It really would be special for me to add another winner’s medal and lift this trophy in my home province [KwaZulu-Natal],” he said.

Orlando Pirates will arrive in Durban aiming to continue their outstanding record in the MTN8 and take another step towards matching Kaizer Chiefs’ record of 15 top-eight titles.

Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, will attempt to end Pirates’ run and regain a trophy they have not won for five years.