Orlando Pirates skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi is eager to create a special history in the MTN8, but the defender is aware Stellenbosch FC will not go down without putting up a brave fight when the two sides clash in an epic final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday at 18:00.
The Sea Robbers are looking to win the MTN8 title for the unprecedented fourth consecutive time, while Stellies chase their first trophy in the competition.
This is a repeat of last season’s final, where Pirates claimed a 3-1 victory in a match that left a bitter taste for coach Steve Barker and his Cape Winelands side in Durban.
The Buccaneers’ second goal in that match at Moses Mabhida Stadium created massive controversy after a sly Relebohile Mofokeng quickly replayed a free kick a few metres from where a foul happened and caught the defence snapping.
That is expected to fuel the Maroons to go all out to get their revenge and deny the Sea Robbers the chance to become the only side to have won this tournament four times in a row.
Sibisi said they have put in the work on their preparations as they anticipate a helluva showdown in the province of the rising sun.
“The preparations for the game against Stellenbosch FC have gone very well, and it’s good to be back with the guys at training,” said Sibisi.
“We know it’s going to be a very difficult encounter, but we are looking forward to it, and hopefully we will get the result on Saturday.
“It has been a positive week for us, and we are looking forward to creating history and to do it one more time in front of a sold-out stadium in Mpumalanga it is going to be special,” he said.
If you have watched a few battles between Pirates and Stellies, you should be aware that the side that comes out on top must work hard for it.
“Every final we have played has been special in its own way, and this one won’t be any different. It’s a Stellenbosch team that has been a thorn in our side,” Sibisi acknowledged.
“But we are looking forward to the final. Hopefully, it’s going to be historic and a memorable one for us.”
Pirates would be keen to win the tournament for the 14th time and minimise the gap between them and Kaizer Chiefs, who have conquered it 15 times, which is more than any other club.