Orlando Pirates take on Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s final of the MTN8, hoping to claim an unprecedented fifth title in a row in the top eight competition.
There have been stunning goals in finals of the MTN8 since the competition was first played in its current guise, as well look back at five of the best.
NJABULO MANQANA VS AJAX CAPE TOWN (2009)
Lamontville Golden Arrows thumped Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the final played at the Orlando Stadium, still a record victory in any cup final in South African football. Manqana was the main man as he scored two goals and cut Ajax apart almost at will. His second goal, and Arrows’ sixth, was scored from the tightest angle possible and he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Hans Vonk from the byline and used backspin to send it into the net at the far post.
THABO MATLABA VS PLATINUM STARS (2013)
It might have been in a losing cause as Orlando Pirates were defeated on penalties by Platinum Stars following a 1-1 draw in the final, but Matlaba’s goal to equalise for The Buccaneers was an absolute stunner. He collected the ball 35-yards out and smashed the ball into the net, leaving Siyabonga Mpontshane, who would later play for Pirates, rooted to the spot.
DAINE KLATE VS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (2016)
Daine Klate was the hero for BidVest Wits as they comprehensibly beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 in the decider in Mbombela. He netted twice, his first goal after just 35 seconds, the quickest in MTN8 history. He picked up the ball just outside the box and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner, showing great technique and composure to put The Clever Boys onto the front foot in the decider.
BRADLEY GROBLER VS HIGHLANDS PARK (2019)
This goal was more about the build-up than the finish as SuperSport United edged Highlands Park 1-0 in the final. Grobler supplied a typically clinical finish as he headed into the net just before halftime, but SuperSport had worked the chance beautifully with slick passing football from their own half. That ended with Teboho Mokoena showing superb pace and creativity on the wing before he crossed for the striker to nod home.
MONNAPULE SALENG VS AMAZULU (2022)
Saleng loves a goal in the MTN8, but his stunning free-kick to win the 2022 final against AmaZulu is one of his best. The set-piece from a tight angle, but the winger not only got pace and curl on the ball, but managed to get it over and down beyond Usuthu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.