Gavin Lane backs Orlando Pirates to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates legend Gavin Lane is backing his former club to lift the MTN8 trophy when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in a highly anticipated final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will meet Sundowns in what promises to be a closely contested battle between two of South Africa’s leading sides, with the coveted trophy at stake in KwaZulu-Natal. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.

Lane, who was part of the Pirates team that won the CAF Champions League in 1995, is eager to witness the final from the stands and has already contacted the club in an attempt to secure tickets.

The former defender is hoping to attend the showpiece with one of his customers, although he is still waiting for confirmation from the Pirates office.

“I spoke to the Pirates office, and they said they would give me a ticket. I am still waiting, and I hope to become the proud owner of an MTN8 final ticket sometime this week,” Lane told KickOff.

‘There are too many of us legends’

Lane has asked the club for two tickets and admitted that former players have to make their requests known rather than assume they will automatically be accommodated.

“Hopefully, the Pirates office will give me two tickets. I asked for two so I could attend with one of my customers. If you do not ask the office for a ticket, they might forget about you. There are too many of us legends.”

Regardless of whether he makes it into the stadium, Lane expects the final to deliver an atmosphere worthy of the occasion.

The former Pirates star believes the clash has all the ingredients for an entertaining contest, particularly given the quality of the two teams involved and the expected turnout at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“I hope to get a ticket for the match. It will be a very entertaining game between two of the top clubs at the moment, and there will be a good crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium.”

Lane expects ‘goosebumps’ in Durban

For Lane, the significance of the final goes beyond the battle between Pirates and Sundowns. He believes the excitement surrounding the fixture reflects the rarity of competing for major silverware.

“There is a great deal of excitement about this match, so who would want to miss it? As a player, you get goosebumps just thinking about a game like this.”

He has also urged the players selected for the final to embrace the opportunity, reminding them that reaching a cup final is a privilege that cannot be taken for granted.

“Those who play should appreciate the privilege of appearing in a cup final. You do not get the opportunity to play in one every day.”

Pirates tipped to edge thriller

While Lane expects a tight encounter, his loyalty to the Buccaneers remains clear. The former Pirates star believes his old club will eventually find a way past Sundowns and claim the MTN8 crown.

Lane has predicted a 2-1 victory for Pirates, setting up what he expects to be a competitive final before the Buccaneers emerge with the trophy.

“It will be a close match, but Orlando Pirates will win in the end, 2-1,” added Lane, who is affectionately known as ‘Stability Unit’.

The MTN8 final will bring together Pirates and Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with both clubs aiming to cap their campaigns by lifting the trophy in front of what is expected to be a sizeable crowd in Durban.