Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will face off in the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The two teams have had interrupted preparations due to key players being on national team duty, including Bafana Bafana. Despite these shortcomings, Pirates defender Lebone Seema and Sundowns' Marcelo Allende are set to meet again in the highly anticipated match. The Sea Robbers are seeking an unprecedented fifth consecutive Wafa Wafa crown, while Sundowns aim to win the trophy for the second time since its rebranding in 2008.
Abdeslam Ouaddou has acknowledged Kaizer Chiefs as one of the big teams in South Africa but claims that Pirates and Sundowns are the strongest and champion teams in the PSL top flight. He expressed excitement about the upcoming match, citing the teams' readiness despite missing key players. Ouaddou highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it's a game between two champions and a fantastic opportunity for football lovers in the country.
The match has generated significant interest, with tickets selling out just seven hours after going on sale. The website experienced technical glitches, but the rush for tickets was understandable given the rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns. The two teams have consistently finished in the top two in the league and maintain those spots this season. Their rivalry is considered one of the strongest in domestic football.
Ouaddou emphasized the importance of the match, stating that both teams will come with a good mindset and a big ambition to perform well. He believes the timing of the game is ideal, as both teams were doing well before the Fifa break. The Orlando Pirates coach also acknowledged that Kaizer Chiefs is a big team but reiterated that Pirates and Sundowns are the two strongest teams in the country.
The MTN8 final promises to be a thrilling clash, with both teams eager to win the competition. Pirates are seeking to extend their dominance, while Sundowns aim to end their domestic cup competition barren run. The match will be a significant test for both teams, who have been preparing for the event despite the challenges posed by the international break.
The sold-out crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is expected to provide a lively atmosphere for the match. Ouaddou expressed his gratitude for the support, stating that the city has a lot of love for Pirates. The coach is confident that his team will give a good image of football in South Africa and make the most of the opportunity.
The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to kick off on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the top teams in the PSL. Key points: Abdeslam Ouaddou labels Pirates and Sundowns as Mzansi's strongest teams; The two teams have had interrupted preparations due to key players being on national team duty; Tickets for the match sold out just seven hours after going on sale.
Key points
- Abdeslam Ouaddou labels Pirates and Sundowns as Mzansi's strongest teams.
