Orlando Pirates v Mamelodi Sundowns: five key battles in the MTN8 final

The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will feature a series of decisive individual contests when the sides meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 18:00.

The two coaches, Abdeslam Ouaddou and Miguel Cardoso, will also be engaged in their own tactical battle as they attempt to outmanoeuvre each other in a meeting between two of South African football’s recent cup powerhouses.

Pirates ended Sundowns’ eight-season reign as Betway Premiership champions last season, adding another layer of rivalry to a final that could provide an early indication of how the campaign may develop.

Here are five match-ups that could shape the outcome.

Lebone Seema v Brayan Leon

Lebone Seema will arrive in Durban with his confidence boosted by his recent Bafana Bafana debut. The centre-back featured in last week’s 5-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Eritrea before also playing in the 1-0 friendly victory against Egypt, with both matches taking place in Cairo.

He faces a demanding test against Brayan Leon, the Colombian striker who has caused persistent problems for defenders since joining Sundowns in January.

Seema is expected to have support from Nkosinathi Sibisi, Nkosikhona Ndaba and Kamogelo Sebelebele in the Pirates defence. Sundowns, however, possess further attacking threats in Cassius Mailula, Tashreeq Matthews, Arthur Sales and Antonio van Wyk.

Teboho Mokoena v Thalente Mbatha

The midfield contest between Teboho Mokoena and Thalente Mbatha brings together two experienced players in a fixture where control of the centre of the pitch could prove crucial.

Both players also face fitness doubts. They have been absent from recent matches because of injuries, leaving their availability for the final uncertain.

Thapelo Mokobodi v Marcelo Allende

Thapelo Mokobodi has impressed since being moved into a central midfield role by Ouaddou and is likely to be an important figure for Pirates.

His opponent, Marcelo Allende, brings extensive experience of high-pressure matches and trophy contests with Sundowns. Mokobodi will need to match the Chilean’s influence if Pirates are to control the midfield battle.

Aubrey Modiba v Tshepang Moremi

Sundowns could be forced to change their plans at left-back. If Aubrey Modiba does not recover after suffering an injury while on Bafana Bafana duty, Cardoso is expected to use Fawaaz Basadien instead.

Whoever starts will have to contain the pace and movement of Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi. The Bafana attacking player regularly changes flanks with Oswin Appollis, whose direct runs could create another problem for the Sundowns defence.

Yanela Mbuthuma v Grant Kekana

Yanela Mbuthuma is another Pirates player whose confidence will have risen after making his Bafana Bafana debut in last week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

He will need to produce an improved performance against the experienced Grant Kekana. The Sundowns defender is likely to be partnered in central defence by Khulumane Ndamane.