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Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates clash in the MTN8 final on Saturday at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Pirates seeking a record fifth straight title.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will contest the MTN8 final on Saturday at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The match pits the African champions against the cup specialists, with Pirates aiming for a record fifth consecutive MTN8 title. Sundowns, fresh from winning the Caf Champions League and the Fifa Intercontinental Cup, are eager to add the first domestic trophy of the season to their cabinet.
Background: Sundowns' Domestic Cup Struggles
Despite their dominance in the Betway Premiership, where they have won eight straight titles, Sundowns have often fallen short in local cup competitions. Under coaches Manqoba Mngqithi, Rhulani Mokwena and Miguel Cardoso, the team has secured league glory but struggled to replicate that success in knockout tournaments. A Mauricio Affonso brace won the 2019 Telkom Knockout, Gaston Sirino's goal claimed the 2020 Nedbank Cup, and the MTN8 followed in 2021. A Thapelo Morena extra-time winner secured the 2022 Nedbank Cup, completing a treble. However, a shock loss to rookies Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout contributed to Mngqithi's dismissal and Cardoso's appointment.
Cardoso's Mission and Pirates' Threat
Cardoso's primary objective was to win the Champions League, which he achieved, and with the Intercontinental Cup also secured, focus now shifts to domestic silverware. Standing in their way are Orlando Pirates, who ended a 14-year league drought last season by pipping Sundowns to the title by a single point. That triumph handed Cardoso an unwanted record: the first Sundowns coach in nine years to fail to deliver the league title. The MTN8 final offers Cardoso a chance to scratch that itch and satisfy the Yellow Nation's hunger for success.
International Returns and Key Players
Both teams will welcome back their international players after a three-week national duty. Bafana Bafana, under Pitso Mosimane, defeated Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 to sit atop Group D in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Cardoso will have Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Iqraam Rayners, Fawaaz Basadien, Cassius Mailula, Themba Zwane, Tashreeq Matthews, Thabang Motuludi, Ricardo Goss, and Khulumani Ndamane back after their friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium tonight. Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena are injury doubts, though Mokoena is expected to recover in time. Ouaddou will welcome Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Oswin Appollis, Thabang Moremi, Lebone Seema, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma.
Cup Specialists and Final Prospects
Pirates have been the cup specialists in recent years, winning nine trophies in the past four years, including Nedbank Cups, a Carling Knockout and four MTN8s. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, the reigning goalkeeper of the season, has conceded just one goal in seven league games this campaign. However, striker Bryan Leon has yet to score in this MTN8 competition, contributing only an assist. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of South Africa's top sides, featuring a galaxy of international players and two top-class coaches, in front of a full house at the 56,000-capacity venue.
Please follow us on Google to support usMamelodi Sundowns Orlando Pirates MTN8 Final Moses Mabhida Stadium Miguel Cardoso Abdeslam Ouaddou Bafana Bafana
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