With Orlando Pirates having one over Mamelodi Sundowns in cup competition this season, Themba Zwane has said that the Brazilians are relishing in the opportunity to beat the Soweto giants in the upcoming Nedbank Cup final, which is scheduled to take place at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
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Kick-off is at 3:00pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Sundowns showcased stuttering form toward the end of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign and are currently winless in their previous two encounters. While the Brazilians attempted to complete an ‘Invincibles’ league campaign, coach Rulani Mokwena’s side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home against Cape Town City in their final league assignment.
Pirates, who ended their league campaign 23 points behind Sundowns, recorded two defeats and one draw in their last three DStv Premiership encounters.
With their recent run of form being a slight worry for Jose Riveiro and company, Bucs could look to bank on their Cup experience to once again triumph over the Tshwane-based giants.
Sundowns and Pirates features in the MTN8 final earlier this season, as Riveiro’s side defeated Masandawana 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
WHAT WAS SAID…
“This match gives us another opportunity to rectify our mistakes from the previous final,” Zwane said.
“And we are very motivated to play the game. Pirates and Sundowns always an amazing game to watch because of the two teams and the quality players and that’s all I can say.
“As we all know at Sundowns, it is all about making history. It is our culture in the team and it is very important for us to win this trophy because as a team, we just want to finish on a high note.”
“We are a family here,” Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha said.
“We need each other more in these times because we are playing a Cup final. If we win, talent is not winning, Orlando Pirates wins.
“It’s a competition that is great and healthy, no one is jealous, we go there to do our job. Every one knows what to do, whether they are on the bench or starting eleven.
“We’ll do what the coach tells us to do and I believe that we’ll get the result.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Themba Zwane – As one of the most experienced players in South African football currently, Sundowns will rely on Zwane’s big match temperament this weekend. ‘Mshishi’ as he is fondly known, operates best between the opposition’s defensive lines and is deadly in the attacking third of the pitch.
Orlando Pirates: Tshegofatso Mabasa – The 23/24 DStv Premiership Golden Boot winner is currently in the form of his life and a player Sundowns will no doubt keep a keen eye on this weekend. Mabasa’s physicality and movement could be the key in unlocking Sundowns’ water-tight backline.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
LAST FIVE CUP TIES:
2015/16 Nedbank Quarterfinal Mamelodi Sundowns 0-2 Orlando Pirates
2020/21 Nedbank Quarterfinal Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Orlando Pirates
2022/23 MTN8 semifinal, 1st leg Orlando Pirates 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
2022/23 MTN8 semi, 2nd leg Mamelodi Sundowns 0-3 Orlando Pirates
2023/24 MTN8 final Orlando Pirates 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns (Pirates won 3-1 on penalties)
LAST FIVE LEAGUE RESULTS:
2021/22 Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Orlando Pirates
2022/23 Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Orlando Pirates
2022/23 Orlando Pirates 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
2023/24 Orlando Pirates 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
2023/24 Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Orlando Pirates