Mokwena unable to choose between Sundowns and Pirates in MTN8 final

Rulani Mokwena says he will be pleased whichever side wins the MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with both clubs having played a major role in his development as a coach.

The Pyramids FC coach expects a high-quality contest between two of South Africa’s best-coached teams, describing the finalists as representatives of the highest level of the country’s football.

“I’m excited for the final. I think it will be a good game. I think it’s two very good teams, two very good, very, very well-coached teams,” Mokwena told the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA).

“It’s two very, very good teams, and of course who lead the pinnacle of South African football, so I think we will see a very good final.”

Mokwena has coached both clubs, making it difficult for him to predict which team will lift the trophy. His connection with each side means he expects to celebrate either outcome.

“It’s very difficult for me to decide who I think will win, but I will be very happy at the end for sure,” he said.

“At the end of the game, I’ll be very happy because if Sundowns win, I will be very, very happy. And if Pirates win, I will be very, very happy too.”

The only situation in which Mokwena would not want Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates to win, he added, would be when he is facing one of them as an opposing coach.

“The only time I don’t want Pirates or Sundowns to win is when I’m sitting and I’m competing on the opposite bench. That’s the only time.”

Mokwena also spoke warmly about Mamelodi Sundowns, saying he remains a supporter of the club and is grateful for the influence it had on his career.

“I’m a big Mamelodi Sundowns fan, too. You know, I love the club. I’m very grateful to what the club and Dr Patrice [Motsepe] and the Chairman have done to help me to be the coach that I am.”

The coach said his experiences at both clubs, including his work in the Mamelodi Sundowns youth set-up and his senior coaching role at Orlando Pirates, had been important stages in his career.

He paid tribute to those who had contributed to his progress, including former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.

“I have to give my salutations and my appreciation to Coach Pitso [Mosimane], I’ve got to give it to probably all these important parts of my career, including Orlando Pirates, including Mamelodi Sundowns, especially even with my time in the youth.”

Mokwena believes supporters can expect a technically demanding final.

“I’m looking forward to it for sure, and I think the public will be exposed to a very high-level game, technically, there’s absolutely no reason not to expect this.”