Pirates backed to claim fifth straight MTN8 title against Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have been tipped to win a fifth consecutive MTN8 title when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final on 10 October.

Former MTN8 legends Linda Mntambo and Lehlohonolo Majoro both believe the defending champions will retain the trophy after a strong run through this season’s knockout competition.

The pair were speaking to the Herald during the MTN8 trophy’s nationwide tour in Gqeberha this week.

Pirates began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Durban City after extra time in the quarter-finals. They then produced a dominant display against Sekhukhune United in the two-legged semi-final, progressing 4-0 on aggregate.

Sundowns reached the last four by beating Polokwane City 3-2 in their quarter-final. They then overcame Golden Arrows 3-3 on aggregate under the away-goal rule to secure their place in the final.

The winner of the match will receive the R10-million grand prize. The venue for the final has not yet been announced.

Majoro, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates striker, expects Pirates to prevail but believes Sundowns will provide a serious challenge.

“Pirates have won the trophy four consecutive times, and Sundowns haven’t had a good run with the MTN 8,” Majoro said.

“So, this is the opportunity for them to dethrone Pirates at the top. It’s going to be an exciting one, but what is a final without goals? So I am expecting goals.

“We are sitting on R460,000 towards charity. Last year it was R500,000, so we are two goals short.

“I want to see how deep MTN’s pockets are. If we can jump over half a million, the dream will be fulfilled.

“My score prediction is 3-1 to Pirates,” he said.

Mntambo also selected Pirates to win, predicting a 2-1 scoreline in favour of the defending champions.

The former Chippa United, Pirates and Sekhukhune United player identified the meeting between Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu as one of the competition’s standout matches.

“I think one of the most exciting games that I watched throughout the tournament was Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu,” Mntambo said.

“Those were two teams that I had randomly drawn as an MTN 8 legend.

“Under the legacy programme at MTN, we have something (competition) we call ‘The Last Legend Standing’.

“So, if Sekhukhune or AmaZulu had gone to the final and won, I would get R100,000 to donate to a charity of my choice.

“And under the same legacy programme, there are what we can call goals for charity, and in that game there were seven goals scored, but six were scored during regulation time.

“So, R120,000 is going towards communities and charities.

“That’s what makes that game special for me, not taking away from the games that were played,” he said.