Sundowns and Pirates set for titanic clash in MTN8 final

With Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates set to compete in the MTN8 final this weekend, coach Rulani Mokwena hopes that good football will prevail when the two sides clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening. Kick-off is at 6:00pm (SA, GMT+2) 

MATCH BACKGROUND

The Brazilians booked their spot in the MTN8 final via a 3-2 aggregate win over Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals last month. After a tense first-leg in which Downs and Chiefs recorded a 1-1 draw at the FNB Stadium, a Peter Shalulile brace in the return fixture saw Downs end the game as victors at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. 

As for the defending champions, Pirates overcame a spirited Stellenbosch outfit in their semi-final bid. The Buccaneers managed to record a crucial 2-1 win over Stellies at the Athlone Stadium in the first-leg, with Deon Hotto’s stoppage time winner giving Pirates a crucial away goal going into second-leg.

While Steve Barker’s side claimed a 1-0 win at the Orlando Stadium in the subsequent leg, the Soweto giants ultimately confirmed their place in the final following a 2-2 aggregate result, with Hotto’s away goal proving to be the difference in the end. 

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

As far as the head-to-head count is concerned, Sundowns hold the clear advantage over the Soweto giants. In the last five matches played in all competitions, Sundowns bagged four wins, including a dominant 4-0 in the Black Label Cup last year. 

However, Pirates managed to beat Sundowns in last year’s MTN8 semi-finals, recording a 3-0 aggregate win before going on to win the popular tournament.

WHAT THEY SAID?

As Pirates look to retain the MTN8 trophy, coach Jose Riveiro revealed that he feels good knowing he can select a starting XI with many of his star players returning to full fitness. 

“I feel good, I feel glad to have many options and many players available,” Riveiro said. 

“As I said already several times, we have a big squad not only in terms of number but in terms of quality, it’s complicated sometimes, as you can imagine to select an XI from this squad. 

“It’s always a difficult task but at the same time, it’s challenging to make a mistake because they are all good and when they are on the field it means they are fit, ready, mentally prepared and in that way.

“I’m a lucky coach to have those types of material in my hands. So I can’t complain.”

Mokwena on the other hand, mentioned that Pirates’ physical approach to the game gave his side problems in the past.

"In almost every game against Pirates we lose a player with a very severe injury,” Mokwena said. 

“Hashim Domingo, in the Carling Cup. [Abubeker] Nassir is still not here because of the situation with [Pirates' goalkeeper, Siyabonga] Mpontshane. In the last game, [Nkosinathi] Sibisi took Marcelo [Allende] out on the half-way line with his studs up, two-footed tackle. Marcelo hasn't really recovered from that.

"I am hoping for a game that doesn't have too much of those … we have more football, and people are able to talk about the football and less about the handbags. The things on the periphery." 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates: Zakhele Lepasa

The talented forward has been in fine form for Pirates this season, scoring 10 goals in 11 games in all competitions so far. As a threat in and around the 18-yard-area, the Sundowns defenders will have to be locked in at all times throughout the encounter.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Themba Zwane

At the age of 34, Zwane remains an important component for Sundowns given his experience at the highest level. Mshishi is also known for his ability to shine on the big stage, an attribute that the opposition midfielders will no doubt take into account.