Captains target history ahead of MTN8 decider

The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC in Durban on Saturday gives the players on either side the chance to write their names into the history books and earn a cool R10-million for their club.

But beyond the prize money, there is prestige at stake at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and that has not been lost on either side in the build-up to the eagerly-anticipated decider.

The captains on either side have recognised the moment. For Pirates it is the chance to win an unprecedented third MTN8 title in a row, and for Stellenbosch a chance to claim their maiden trophy win in the top eight competition.

Buccaneers captain Innocent Maela is no stranger to MTN8 success, while Sage Stephens is the ‘on-field’ captain at Stellenbosch after Deano van Rooyen left for Pirates. Lee Langeveldt is the club captain.

Here is what the on-field skippers had to say.

INNOCENT MAELA (ORLANDO PIRATES)

“Every time we have an opportunity to make history or leave a legacy, obviously it’s inspiring, but at this moment, preparing for the final this week, the focus is mainly on training and how we prepare.

“But when you have an opportunity to make history and leave a little bit of legacy at this club with a rich history, obviously it’s inspiring and makes you want to push more. It’s not at the top of our heads at the moment. It’s just to go out there, train well, and do what we always do. How we prepare for all other matches with attention to detail.

"For us to win this game, we have to remain focused on ourselves and what we can do, more than thinking more of them (Stellenbosch). Yes, we have studied them and we know their strengths and weaknesses but it won't be about history. We have to win first and then history will follow.

"It is exciting, we are focused and dedicated. We will plan for the match and stick to those plans., The guys are highly-motivated. But the approach is focussing on how we execute our plans for the game. All the games we play we approach the match to win and play a certain way.

"The Moses Mabhida Stadium has always been good to us and hopefully it will be the same on Saturday. We must also give praise to our supporters, they push us and give us motivation.

"The supporters are so important for us, they give us the competitive edge. We want to get the result so everyone goes happy. We can feel on the field of play that they are pushing. Representing a big brand (like Pirates), you know what you have to do.

"He (Jose Riveiro) is such a good coach and has been from the first day he arrived here. I have said so often that how he prepares us for matches, how our play has evolved and how the players express themselves is amazing.

"From the first day we knew we have a top coach. We only want to play our best for him. It has been a journey, a good one so far. I have to congratulate the coach and his technical team.”

SAGE STEPHENS (STELLENBOSCH FC)

“Our performances against Sundowns, back-to-back, I think everyone on that pitch did a phenomenal job, everyone was superb.

“The whole team gelled well and it laid a foundation to be recognised because I kept two clean sheets against Sundowns, so I’m very grateful.

“The experience we had in Kinshasa (against AS Vita Club in the CAF Confederation Cup) also prepared us well for this coming weekend. The stadium was full and the fans were phenomenal. They put us under a lot of pressure.

“But with the sold-out (MTN8 final), there will be some nerves, it’s guaranteed, no matter what you do. Once their fans get going we need to use that to motivate us to work even harder.

“They (Pirates) are a well-coached team, if you look at their form, they’re doing very well. They don’t concede often which is the strength of theirs. Going forward you know that with the pace they have it’s going to be challenging.

“In the same breath, we have the same talent. We match them perfectly because if you look at it, both teams are in form at the moment. We’re also not conceding often which is a good thing, our defence is strong.

“I think it’s a once off, on the day who pitches up is going to take the trophy.”