Khanye backs Sundowns to edge Pirates in MTN8 final

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye expects Mamelodi Sundowns to beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in Saturday’s MTN8 final, although he believes the match will be closely contested and insists the officiating must not influence the outcome.

The two South African giants will meet at the sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00, with Pirates defending the trophy they won last season.

“We are about to witness two of the biggest teams in South Africa fighting for a trophy,” Khanye told KickOff.

Pirates arrive as Betway Premiership champions after completing a treble. Their bid for a fifth successive MTN8 title will also be supported by an attacking approach which, according to Khanye, can overwhelm opponents to the point that they lose sight of their own style.

“Pirates are Betway Premiership champions, and they have won a treble. Not to forget that they are defending this very same MTN8 trophy after winning it last season. Pirates will attack you to the extent that you even forget your own football identity,” he said.

“They hardly play for a draw.”

Sundowns, meanwhile, have dominated domestic football for the past 10 years and are the reigning champions of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Khanye said the importance of the fixture placed a particular responsibility on the referee appointed to oversee it.

“Only if a referee that won’t be biased can be assigned for this match because this is one game that is not going to be easy. We need a referee that respects his job and career, not a referee that is going to decide the match,” he said.

Despite highlighting weaknesses in Sundowns’ defence, Khanye does not believe Pirates will score enough goals to win.

“It’s not gonna be easy, but Sundowns is going to beat Pirates 2-1,” he predicted.

“Both teams will be tested. But the Sundowns defence is very poor. Pirates have got top-class wing forward players, people like Ghampani Lungu, people like Oswin Appollis. They will test that Sundowns defence.”

The former Chiefs player believes Pirates’ squad may lack the continuity needed to overcome Sundowns, with many of their players having only recently joined the club.

“But I don’t think Pirates will outscore Sundowns. Pirates have got quality, but [a] majority of their players are new, so I don’t think they will maintain Sundowns,” Khanye said.

The final also gives Sundowns an opportunity to claim their first domestic cup competition under Miguel Cardoso. Pirates, who lifted the trophy last season, are seeking a fifth consecutive MTN8 triumph.