Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have announced their starting line-ups for this evening’s blockbuster MTN8 final at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
The wait is over, it’s been 344 days since the last time these two sides faced each other in the MTN8 final in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where Pirates were victorious coming from a goal down to win by 3-1.
Exactly 25 days ago, these two sides battled for three points at the Orlando Stadium and once again Pirates came top winning by 1-0. Stellies had their share also back in December last year beating Bucs by 1-0 away from home.
Pirates’ journey in the MTN8 this season saw them beating Polokwane City in the quarter-final by 2-0. In the two-legged semi-final, Pirates played to a 2-2 draw on aggregate against Mamelodi Sundowns and won on penalties after Sipho Chaine showed his heroics.
On Stellenbosch’s way to the MTN8 final they dumped AmaZulu FC out of the competition, beating them 3-2 at DHL Stadium. In the semi-final, they had the first leg at home and beat Sekhukhune United by 2-0, taking a comfortable lead to the second leg. Away from home Stellies held Babina Noko to a 1-1 draw.
Whoever wins between the two sides will make history: Pirates could be the first team to win the MTN8 trophy four consecutive times. Stellenbosch could win its first-ever MTN8 trophy.
Here is how they line up:
Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Mbule, Mbatha, Sebelebele, Mofokeng, Makgopa
Subs: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Dansin, Mariko, Mabasa, Nemtajela, Appollis, Ndaba
Stellenbosch FC XI: Stephens, Moloisane, Stanic, Kazie, Mdaka, Mthiyane, Palace, De Jong, Titus, Barns, Mojela
Subs: Masuluke, Nkwali, Phili, Mokobodi, Butsaka, Cupido, Jabaar, Khiba, Nku
