The highly anticipated MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. The match has generated significant interest, with many fans still trying to purchase tickets despite an announcement that they are sold out. The two teams have a history of intense rivalry, with some players on both sides still harboring grudges from their previous encounter in 2023.
The 2023 encounter between the two teams ended with Sundowns losing to Pirates in a penalty shootout after the game ended goalless. Several players from both teams who featured in that match are still with their respective clubs, including Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, and midfielder Thapelo Xoki. Sundowns' captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, as well as midfielder Teboho Mokoena, are also expected to take part in the upcoming match.
Pirates are looking to win their fifth consecutive MTN8 title, having won the league for the seventh time in a row. The team has undergone some changes, with Abdeslam Ouaddou taking over as head coach after Jose Riveiro's departure. However, some key players from the 2023 team are still with the club, including Makhehleni Makhaula and Evidence Makgopa, although they have not featured prominently this season due to injuries.
Sundowns, on the other hand, have also undergone significant changes, with several players who featured in the 2023 match no longer with the team. These include Peter Shalulile, Bongani Zungu, and Rivaldo Coetzee. However, the team still boasts a strong squad, with players like Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba, and Marcelo Allende expected to make an impact.
The match is expected to draw a large crowd, with thousands of fans anticipated to attend. Pirates will be looking to build on their recent success, while Sundowns will be seeking to avenge their 2023 defeat. The two teams have a long history of rivalry, and the MTN8 final is set to be an intense and closely contested match.
Some players from both teams have been with their respective clubs for a long time and have experienced the rivalry firsthand. These include Sibisi, Xoki, and Williams, who have all been with their teams for several years. The match is set to be an emotional one for these players, who will be looking to make a lasting impact.
The MTN8 final is one of the most prestigious tournaments in South African football, with a prize money of R10 million. The match will be a significant test for both teams, who will be looking to make a statement and claim the title. With the rivalry between the two teams and the significance of the match, it promises to be an exciting encounter.
Key points
- The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
- The two teams have a history of intense rivalry, with some players on both sides still harboring grudges from their previous encounter in 2023.
- The match is expected to draw a large crowd, with thousands of fans anticipated to attend.
