Ramagalela recalls MTN8 final heartbreak as Pirates and Sundowns chase R10 million

Rodney Ramagalela has recalled the injury that ruled him out of a previous MTN8 final, as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to contest this season’s showpiece at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

A number of players from both clubs are unavailable for selection, but the focus will be on the R10 million prize awaiting the winners when Pirates face the side they took the league title from last season.

Ramagalela knows the value of the MTN8’s financial reward from his time with Black Leopards, Mamelodi Sundowns and Highlands Park, among other clubs. He said the tournament’s appeal for players extends beyond the prestige of lifting the trophy.

“You know, with MTN8 it’s all about money. Now it’s R10 million. So, I only think about money and the bonuses for the players,” Ramagalela said.

The former striker’s own experience of the competition is also marked by disappointment. He had hoped to feature in an MTN8 final after believing he had moved beyond the injury problems that had affected him, only to suffer another setback while playing for Highlands Park.

“The memory that I have is not that good because the time that I was thinking maybe I’ll play the final free [of] injury. I got the injury when I was playing for Highlands Park,” he added.

That injury came before the final against SuperSport United. Highlands Park lost the match 1-0, with Bradley Grobler scoring the only goal, leaving Ramagalela to watch from the sidelines as his team missed out on the trophy and the financial benefits attached to winning the competition.

“That was the moment that I was thinking maybe I’ll get that chance to play the finals. But I didn’t because of injury, when SuperSport was beating Highlands Park,” added Ramagalela, who is affectionately known as ‘RamaG’.

Saturday’s final gives Pirates the opportunity to claim the latest edition of the competition on home ground, while Sundowns will be seeking to win the trophy against the team that ended their reign as league champions last season.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00, and supporters have been advised to arrive early for the pre-match entertainment.