As the MTN8 final draws closer, the Buccaneers are favourites to win the cup, which will entail a crunch match against Stellenbosch FC at Gqeberha’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Currently joint-top of the South African Premiership, Orlando Pirates have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2024/25 season scoring six goals and conceding only one in three games.
Their opponents, the Maroons, currently sit 8th in the standings, having won, lost, and drawn in their opening three fixtures.
However disappointing their start has been, the Cape Winelands outfit are coming off a dominant 3-0 victory against bitter rivals Cape Town City, suggesting that the MTN8 final will be no walk in the park for the Soweto Giants, who have won the last two cups in a row.
Coach Riveiro gives injury update ahead of MTN8 final
Heading into a cup final, there are few things worse – for coaches, players and fans – than having your key players on the sidelines; that seems to be the case for Jose Riveiro’s team.
In this instance, the Spanish tactician may be without two first team players, Monnapule Saleng and Olisa Ndah.
In a post-match conference, Riveiro said, “If you remember our last game against Polokwane City, both Olisa and Saleng were subbed because of two different injuries,
“That’s the reason they’re not here is because they couldn’t make it. They were not available for selection.
“And actually, it’s not 100% sure that they are going to be there in the final as well. So, we’re not saving anybody because like I said before we’re taking every game like a final,” he added.
“We are giving the same respect to Richards Bay as the respect we are going to give Stellenbosch in the final. And that’s the way we want to do things. So, there’s nothing like saving players, no not at all.”
How did Pirates and Stellenbosch reach the MTN8 final?
The Buccaneers began their road to the final by eliminating SuperSport United 3-1 with goals from Ndah, Saleng, and Evidence Makgopa. They then edged out Cape Town City in a hard-fought semi-final that finished 3-1 on aggregate.
Stellenbosch FC initiated their MTN8 campaign with a 3-1 win over TS Galaxy before providing the upset of the tournament, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in both semi-final legs.
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