Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC are set to reignite their fierce rivalry in front of a packed Mbombela Stadium, with a staggering R10 million prize on the line in the MTN8.
These two sides know each other well, having battled to the brink in last year’s dramatic final, where the home crowd roared the Pirates to their third straight #WafaWafa crown.
The stakes are sky-high: Stellies are desperate to avoid a repeat heartbreak, while the Sea Robbers are chasing a historic fourth consecutive title.
Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC | Saturday, 13 September | Mbombela Stadium | 18:00
To win (90 min)
Orlando Pirates 1/1 | Draw 43/20 | Stellenbosch 32/10
Read: MTN8 Final kick-off time, form guide, betting odds, & more!
Orlando Pirates’ Road to Mbombela
The Buccaneers are eyeing history by lifting their fourth MTN8 trophy in succession, having won it for the past three seasons under the guidance of Jose Riveiro, who has since left the club.
They started their journey to the final with a comfortable 2-0 win over Polokwane City in a match where they dominated all aspects of the game. Former City player Oswin Appollis scored the opening goal in the 14th minute before winning a penalty that was converted by Patrick Maswanganyi in the 35th minute.
Appollis’ standout display earned him Man of the Match honors. A key figure in the Pirates’ lineup, he has featured in eight matches this season and is expected to play a pivotal role in this high-stakes clash.
Pirates were drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final. The first leg was held at Orlando Stadium and was fierce as both teams wanted to head to the final leg with the odds in their favour, but it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Teboho Mokoena registered first on the scoresheet 37 minutes after the game started, and Kamogelo Sebelebele netted the equalising goal in the dying minutes to keep the hopes of Orlando Pirates alive heading to the second leg.
The return leg produced results that were like the first one. Iqraam Rayners, who was under the watchful eyes of vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi, scored the opener in the 17th minute before Sebelebele levelled in the 73rd minute. This forced the match to be decided on penalties. Sipho Chaine became the hero as he saved the first two while the Bucs scored all of theirs to win 4-1.
Former Sundowns midfielder looks to have revived his career at Pirates and has found his way back into the national team. He is set to be in the lineup as a replacement for the injured Maswanganyi.
Tito picked up an injury during their 3-0 victory over Chippa United. He missed out on Bafana matches against Lesotho and Nigeria and was replaced by Mbule, who was granted a start against Lesotho.
He joined a long list of players who are currently in the recovery room, with the latest being defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi and Deano van Rooyen. It remains to be seen whether they will be back in time for this match.
Abdeslam Ouaddou is under pressure to deliver the first piece of silverware to Mayfair, just as Riveiro did during his first season in charge. New signings, including Sihle Nduli, Lebone Seema, Abdoulaye Mariko and Sebelebele have all made their mark since joining the team.
Stellies’ Quest for Vengeance
Stellies enter this showdown fueled by a desire for revenge after last season’s 3-1 final defeat, a match marred by controversial refereeing that led to Pirates’ crucial second goal. Mofokeng’s quickly taken free kick set up Mabasa to score, leaving Stellenbosch with unfinished business.
Steve Barker’s side began their campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over AmaZulu during extra time after the match finished 2-2 on regular time. Langelihle Phili was introduced in the 105th minute as a replacement for Devin Titus and netted the winning goal just three minutes after he got into the game.
They were pitted against Sekhukhune United in the semis, with the first leg at their home ground. They baptised United to head to the return leg with an advantage on their side. The away game ended 1-1 with the Western Cape team booking their spot in the final through a 3-1 aggregate score.
Stellenbosch have had an underwhelming start to their league campaign, having managed to secure one victory, one draw, and lost three matches in their opening five games. Despite parting ways with some of their key players, including Fawaaz Basadien, who joined Sundowns, Omega Mdaka looks to have closed that gap in the left-back position.
Lehlogonolo Mojela returned to action following a long injury layoff. He netted the opening goal in last year’s final but was substituted after picking up an injury. It remains to be seen whether or not he will be in the starting eleven on Saturday.
Defender Thabo Moloisane, a late replacement for Ime Okon, was forced off early in the Lesotho match due to a head injury. His status for the final remains uncertain as details of his recovery are still unknown.
Prediction: Stellenbosch FC to win
The two have already met this season in a highly contested league match, which ended 1-0 in favour of the Sea Robbers thanks to an early strike by Sebelebele.
Barker is known for his tactical acumen and will surely work to avoid another loss to Pirates and is eyeing their second trophy in the top flight.
Though the odds favour Pirates but I feel that the team from the Cape Winelands has more to fight for and will edge the Buccaneers.
Written by Siphesihle Soni.