Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns set for high-stakes MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet in a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday as the two leading Betway Premiership sides contest a much-anticipated MTN8 final in Durban (18:00).

The clubs have been among the pace-setters in the league and have reached the decisive match of the tournament after establishing little to separate them on the domestic stage. Attention now turns to how Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou and Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso shape their respective line-ups for the final.

Sundowns bring considerable experience to the occasion, with most of Cardoso’s squad having played in high-pressure matches before. Their recent form also includes a 2-1 victory over highly regarded Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup.

Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, will be attempting to win the MTN8 trophy for a fifth successive time. Ouaddou has a squad combining established players with less experienced members, and several of the younger campaigners could be called upon to deliver in the final.

Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sbangani Zulu, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Simphiwe Selepe, Kabelo Kgositsile and Simphiwe Masilela will need to respond if they are given the opportunity to face Sundowns.

Ouaddou said during the week that the senior figures in his squad would have an important role in helping the younger players manage the occasion. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki and Deon Hotto, along with midfielders Thalente Mbatha, Makhehleni Makhaula, Oswin Appollis and Kabelo Dlamini, are expected to provide that guidance.

Makhaula is confident Orlando Pirates can extend their dominance in the competition.

“I am sensing a win because the guys have really shown up with the work rate. I am sensing us lifting the trophy,” he said, predicting that the Buccaneers would claim their fifth consecutive MTN8 trophy.

Cardoso has a number of international players available, including Ronwen Williams, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Nuno Santos, Themba Zwane, Brayan Leon and Arthur Sales.

However, Sundowns supporters will have to wait until nearer kick-off to learn whether Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas have recovered sufficiently to play. The trio picked up knocks while on duty with Bafana Bafana last week.

Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews acknowledged the challenge posed by the defending champions but believes the outcome could depend on which side makes better use of its opportunities.

“They are defending champions, have a good and strong team, and they know how to win this tournament. We just have to go out there and fight, and whoever is going to take their chances is probably going to win,” he said.