In an intense build-up to the 2025/26 MTN8 final, soccer pundits and analysts are weighing in on the highly anticipated rematch between defending champions Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC.
While the Mighty Buccaneers are chasing a historic fourth consecutive title, one of the main talking points is the daunting task facing the Stellenbosch attack against what some are calling an “impenetrable” Pirates defense.
Read: Fearless Stellies Captain Aiming for Silverware Against the Defending Champions Orlando Pirates
Following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, Orlando Pirates’ defense has been the subject of much praise.
At the heart of this formidable backline is teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi. The 19-year-old, who has already been named the club’s vice-captain, has been in exceptional form, even delivering a standout performance for the national team.
Speaking on the latest episode of Soccer Betting News, African football analyst Mogale Sathekge couldn’t contain his admiration for the young defender.
Sathekge noted that Mbokazi’s fearlessness is evident to his opponents across the league, stating, “Any striker in the PSL now, I’m quite sure, even in the back of their minds, they know that they are going to face TLB.”
He added that Mbokazi is “gaining more and more confidence, he’s trusting himself even more and I think he is not taking anything for granted.”
This weekend, the Stellenbosch forward line will be tasked with finding a way through a stubborn Orlando Pirates defense. When asked about the challenge facing the Stellies attack, a visibly animated Sathekge made it clear he doesn’t believe they stand a chance against Mbokazi and his fellow defenders.
Sathekge exclaimed, “So, Titus and whoever is going to strike for Stellenbosch, Mojela and whatever, Good luck to them.”
The MTN8 final is a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s showdown, where the Buccaneers defeated Stellies 3-1.
With a lot having changed for both teams since then—including the departure of Jose Riviero for the Sowetans — the stage is set for a thrilling contest.
The highly anticipated match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, with kick-off set for 18h00 at the Mbombela Stadium.
Click here to watch the full preview.