Orlando Pirates and Sundowns will tussle it out for this season’s first piece of silverware in the MTN8 final. Here’s all you need to know.
Orlando Pirates meet Sundowns in the MTN8 final
Pirates will defend their MTN8 crown on Saturday, 10 October, in the final against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. Kickoff from Moses Mabhida is at 18:00, and the match will air on DStv channel 202.
The Buccaneers are accustomed to MTN8 success
The Sea Robbers have won an unprecedented four titles on the bounce in this competition, and five of the last six on offer. Pirates are on an extraordinary run of 25 matches unbeaten across all competitions, stretching back to last season. Their last two defeats were to Casric Stars on penalties in the Nedbank Cup, and a 1-2 reverse against Sundowns in the Betway Premiership in February.
Appollis is the man of the moment
25-year-old Oswin Appollis shone against Eritrea in a recent 5-0 win for Bafana, bagging three assists, matching a feat he also achieved against Congo in 2024. Appollis has two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership outings this season, and will undoubtedly be a key player in the weekend’s showpiece.
Ex-Pirates star Foster is out of the picture for Bafana
26-year-old Lyle Foster is currently out of the picture for Bafana Bafana. The ex-Pirates striker was relegated from the English Premier League with Burnley last season, and left the Clarets on loan this season to join MLS side Houston Dynamo. Born in Soweto, Foster is already becoming something of a journeyman after starting his pro career with Monaco. He then enjoyed stints in Belgium and Portugal before spending three years in England with Burnley. Recent trends indicate that he might battle to get back into the squad.
What are your predictions for the MTN8 final on Saturday? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂
