Six players who could decide the MTN8 final

The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns presents several players with the ability to produce the decisive moment, with both sides possessing attacking options capable of changing the game.

Orlando Pirates

#### Ghampani Lungu

Ghampani Lungu has made an excellent start to his time at Orlando Pirates and the final offers him an ideal opportunity to establish himself in the club’s history.

The winger has already scored twice in this season’s MTN8. A decisive contribution at the weekend would leave a lasting impression on supporters and make him one of the players Mamelodi Sundowns must closely monitor.

#### Yanela Mbuthuma

Yanela Mbuthuma has faced criticism after missing chances, but his threat in the final third means he cannot be discounted.

He has contributed two assists in the competition and is likely to welcome the opportunity to end the tournament with a match-winning contribution. Mbuthuma regularly finds promising positions, while Orlando Pirates’ ability to create chances could give him the opportunity to capitalise.

#### Oswin Appollis

Oswin Appollis enters the final after an outstanding display for Bafana Bafana against Eritrea, in which he provided three assists.

He will hope to carry that form into the MTN8 showpiece. Appollis also supplied an assist in last year’s MTN8 final against Stellenbosch, underlining his ability to influence important matches. A goal at Moses Mabhida Stadium would make him another strong candidate to decide the contest.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ key threats

#### Cassius Mailula

Cassius Mailula has already delivered a decisive moment in this season’s competition, scoring on his second debut for Mamelodi Sundowns.

He came off the bench to score against Polokwane City in the quarter-final, sending his side into the last four. Mailula then scored the opening goal in the second leg of the semi-final against Golden Arrows as Sundowns recovered from a first-leg defeat to reach the final.

Having found the net in every round in which he has played, Mailula is likely to continue looking for positions from which he can threaten the Orlando Pirates defence.

#### Teboho Mokoena

Teboho Mokoena remains a doubt for the final because of injury, although Mamelodi Sundowns are working to make him available.

If he plays, the Bafana Bafana midfielder will be one of the players capable of producing the match-winning moment. Mokoena has regularly shown his quality with long-range attempts and will look for chances to test Orlando Pirates from distance.

#### Arthur Sales

Arthur Sales has returned to the squad after beginning the season with an injury and could feature at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Brazilian is effective at finding space in attacking areas and possesses the technique to finish when shooting at goal, making him another potential source of danger for Orlando Pirates in the final.