Mokwena unable to choose between former clubs ahead of MTN8 final

Pyramids FC coach Rulani Mokwena says the MTN8 final between his former clubs Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns should showcase the technical quality of South African football, but he cannot decide which side he wants to win.

The teams meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday in the 2026 Wafa Wafa final. Orlando Pirates are aiming to claim the trophy for a record fifth successive time, while Mamelodi Sundowns are appearing in the competition’s final for the first time in five years.

Speaking at a South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) online press conference on Thursday, Mokwena said the match would feature two well-coached teams at the highest level of the domestic game.

“I’m excited for the final. I think it will be a good game,” said Mokwena.

“It is 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. I’m looking forward to it for sure, and I think the public will be exposed to a very high-level game technically.”

Mokwena pointed to the number of players from both clubs involved with the national team as evidence of their standing in South African football.

“There’s absolutely no reason to expect this, and you see even the national team is dominated by both teams because that’s where they say always that the cream always rises to the top. And it’s by no chance that you have so many players from Sundowns and so many players from Pirates.”

The Pyramids FC coach also explained his strong personal connection with Mamelodi Sundowns, having credited the club and its leadership with helping shape his career.

“And 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 Tlhopie [Motsepe] have done to help me to be the coach that I am, to help me to have the profile of the CV that I have. It’s got a lot to do with Sundowns.”

Mokwena, who previously worked with both finalists, said his affection for Orlando Pirates made the result impossible for him to predict.

“So there’s a very soft spot that I have for the club and I would always wish Mamelodi Sundowns the best, but also I always wish Orlando Pirates the best.

“It’s very difficult for me to decide who I think will win, but I will be very happy at the end for sure. At the end of the game, I’ll be very happy because if Sundowns win, I will be very, very happy. If Orlando Pirates win, I will be very, very happy too.”

He wished both clubs well, while acknowledging the only circumstance in which he would want either team to lose.

“So, I wish both teams, both football clubs, everything of the best. 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.”