Vuyo Mere looks back on Platinum Stars’ MTN8 triumph over Orlando Pirates

Vuyo Mere has identified Platinum Stars’ 2013 MTN8 victory over Orlando Pirates as the defining moment of his long playing career.

The former right-back lifted the trophy as captain after his side overcame the Buccaneers on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium, the same venue scheduled to host this year’s final on 10 October.

Speaking to KickOff during his duties as an MTN8 ambassador on the Western Cape leg of the trophy tour, Mere said winning the competition remained his most valued memory.

“Most definitely lifting the trophy,” he said with a chuckle. “[This was with] Platinum Stars [in] 2013. We were at the same stadium that is going [to host it] on the 10th [of October], Moses Mabhida. So, yeah, I’ve got fond memories about it.”

The match had finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Platinum Stars known as Dikwena eventually winning the penalty shootout 3-1.

Their success was regarded as a major upset because they had entered the match as significant underdogs against Orlando Pirates, causing widespread surprise across South African football.

Platinum Stars took the lead shortly after half-time when Robert Ng’ambi scored. Orlando Pirates responded through Thabo Matlaba, who equalised seven minutes before the end of normal time to keep his team’s hopes alive.

The comeback was not completed, however, and Mere and his Platinum Stars team-mates held their nerve in the shootout to claim a notable victory in a competition renowned for producing dramatic matches.

Mere’s career spanned 23 years. He began playing for Hellenic in 2001 before retiring after a spell with TS Galaxy.

He spent the longest period of his career at Platinum Stars, representing the club from 2011 to 2018. It was during that time that he secured his most significant MTN8 achievement, leading the now-defunct club to the trophy as captain.

The triumph also came at the same stadium that will stage this year’s showpiece final, adding to the significance of the memory for Mere as he reflects on his playing days.