Moses Mabhida Stadium will be the centre of attention when Orlando Pirates lock horns with Stellenbosch FC in the final of the MTN8 Cup.
This will be the Buccaneers’ third consecutive MTN8 final on the same field and they were victorious in the past two finals.
On the other hand, Stellies lifted their first trophy in the top flight on the same venue when they defeated TS Galaxy to clinch the Carling Knockout Cup.
Pirates started the season like a house on fire, they have booked a spot in the group stages of the CAF Champions League after making quick work of Disciples FC and Jwaneng Galaxy.
They have come out victorious in their three opening Betway Premiership matches and are second on the log.
They began their MTN8 campaign by hosting SuperSport United in a highly competitive match that ended 1-1 on regular time.
Monnapule Saleng and Evidence Makgopa who came in as a second-half substitute scored crucial goals that took Pirates into the semi-finals.
In the two-legged semi-finals, Jose Riveiro’s side was pitted against Cape Town City. The first leg was held in Cape Town, both teams came out gun blazing and looking to leave it all in the field to gain an advantage heading to the second leg.
The match ended with a 1-1 draw. Pirates showed class in the second leg recording a resounding 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and Deon Hotto, the double-clash ended with a 3-1 aggregate win for Orlando Pirates.
The Soweto Giants have been playing impressive football and are one of the teams that are tipped to challenge for trophies this season. Their journey starts with defending their #WafaWafa trophy. They may be without Saleng and Olisa Ndah who missed Pirates’ match against Richards Bay on Sunday.
Both players were substituted in their last appearance against Polokwane City. Riverio said the players picked up injuries and are major doubts for the final.
“In our last game against Polokwane City both Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng were subbed because of different injuries that’s the reason they were not playing (against Richards Bay),” Riveiro said.
“And actually, we’re not 100% sure that they are going to be at the final (against Stellenbosch).
“So, we are not saving anybody because we are taking every game like a final for us.
“We are giving the same respect to Richards Bay like the same respect we are going to give to Stellenbosch in the final.
“And that’s the way we want to do the things. So, there is nothing like saving players,” Riveiro concluded.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch looks to be adjusting well into the new season despite losing key players including their captain Deano van Rooyen who was snatched by Orlando Pirates.
Iqraam Rayners who is now in the books of Mamelodi Sundowns, Anicet Oura who joined the Qatari side Muaither SC and Antonio van Wyk who has moved to Austrian side SV Rieed.
This was evident when they made quick work of TS Galaxy in their opening round for the MTN8, they came out victorious 3-1.
Stellies continued on the winning lane by scoring back-to-back victories and knocked out Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals.
Lehlohonolo Mojela, Andre de Jong and Fawaaz Basadien were the stars of the show during their showdown against the Brazilians.
They have qualified for the group stages of the Caf Confederations Cup, but their league form has been underwhelming. In their three opening fixtures, they have recorded one win, one draw and one loss.
The Western Cape side failed to build momentum in their last match when they were held to a draw by Sekhukhune United. They were without their goalkeeper Sage Stephens who was serving the suspension and Jayden Adams was also not included in this match.
Mojela, Sanele Barns, de Jong and Basadien are expected to be a huge factor in the showdown against Pirates.
Prediction
Steve Barker’s side has got the better of Pirates in their last two meetings. Pirates defeated the Cape Winelands side in the semis of this competition last year by an away goal rule after they finished 2-2 on aggregate.
A lot has changed since these teams last clashed and this is set to be a highly-contested fixture with Pirates fighting to make history by lifting the trophy for the third consecutive time while Stellenbosch is looking to win their first-ever MTN8 trophy.
