Mntambo says 2020 MTN8 win remains only gold medal of his career

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Linda Mntambo says the club’s 2020 MTN8 triumph is the defining achievement of his 13-year professional career because it remains the only gold medal he won.

Mntambo, who recently announced his retirement from playing, singled out Pirates’ victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 12 December 2020 as the most memorable moment of his time in football.

“It has to be 2020, 12th December, Moses Mabhida, when we won the MTN8, when I was at Pirates, when we won against Bloemfontein Celtics. That has to be, because that was, the only gold medal I have in my entire 13-year career. So it’s how memorable that one is for me.”

The former South African top-flight player spent more than a decade competing at the highest level, but only experienced the feeling of winning a major trophy once.

That limited collection of silverware has made the MTN8 success particularly significant for Mntambo. While some players enjoy several opportunities to lift trophies during their careers, the 2020 final remains his sole championship victory.

Mntambo is now hoping Sekhukhune United can create their own piece of history by winning this year’s MTN8. Babina Noko trail Orlando Pirates 1-0 on aggregate before the second leg, but the retired midfielder continues to support his former club.

“I’m rooting for them to go all the way and win it,” he confidently revealed.

Mntambo said a first major trophy would carry enormous importance for Sekhukhune United’s chairman, the Malatji brothers and the club’s supporters.

“One, I know how much it would mean to the Malatji brothers, the chairman, and the people of Sekhukhune, the fans. Because as a team, I think Sekhukhune has always been on the brink of winning Silverware. And now if they get to win this one, this would be the first trophy for Sekhukhune in top flight football.

“So you can imagine what that would mean for the chairman. Chairman is somebody that is always patient, believes in hard work, believes in improving every day. But I know that should this one go home, this would be one to celebrate. And I’d love to see Babina Noko go all the way and win it.”

Sekhukhune United are still seeking their first trophy in top-flight football. For Mntambo, that search is easy to understand because of the rare opportunity he had to celebrate a title during his own playing career.

His backing for Babina Noko is therefore based not only on his previous association with the club, but also on his knowledge of the significance a first trophy can have for a team, its leadership and its supporters.

A victory in the MTN8 would provide Sekhukhune with recognition for the work invested in building the club and strengthening its place in the top flight. It would also give the team its first major piece of silverware and turn its long pursuit of success into a landmark moment.