The bookmakers have declared Orlando Pirates as the frontrunners to claim victory in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch, with the odds heavily stacked against Steve Barker’s squad. Even on face value and historical evidence, Pirates are outright favourites.
Pirates are the second most successful club in this top-eight competition, trailing only their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who have an impressive 15 titles – three more than the Buccaneers.
Adding to the pressure, the Sea Robbers are the defending champions, having claimed the trophy two consecutive times. If they win again, they will be allowed to keep the newly designed silverware, a testament to their dominance in recent years. The unwritten rule dictates that if a club wins any competition three times consecutively, they get to keep the original silverware.
On paper, Pirates possess a more seasoned squad, brimming with experience in high-stakes matches. Coach Jose Riveiro knows how to steer his team through the intensity of cup finals. The odds are completely against Stellies, and that is where Barker’s silver lining might come.
Stellenbosch have been a revelation, crafting a model for building a competitive team from scratch. Since their promotion to the top flight in the 2019/20 season, they’ve exceeded expectations, finishing 10th in the league – a commendable feat for newbies.
This early success signaled their ambitions to rise in the Premier Soccer League, and now they stand as contenders in the Caf Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-tier inter-club competition.
Last season, Stellies clinched the Carling Knockout and finished third, matching Pirates’ tally of 50 points. Only a slim goal difference of three prevented them from making their maiden appearance in the more prestigious Caf Champions League.
The upcoming clash feels like a grudge match; last season, Pirates suffered eight league defeats, two of which came at the hands of Barker’s squad. In fact, during Pirates’ pursuit of a 14th MTN8 title, Stellies managed to inflict a rare 1-0 loss, although Riveiro later exacted revenge with a 2-1 victory in the return fixture.
Being the underdogs, the Maroons have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Most coaches, current and former players might agree that there’s a unique thrill in stepping onto the pitch for a final, unburdened by expectation, while all the pressure rests on their illustrious opponents.
The “Happy People” are eager for Riveiro to secure a third consecutive MTN8 crown, but this scenario offers Stellies the freedom to play without the weight of anticipation – a crucial edge in high-stakes encounters.
Barker knows how to dismantle Pirates’ defence, netting seven goals in five encounters last season. While Stellies have lost key players like Iqraam Rayners to Mamelodi Sundowns and Deano Van Rooyen to The Ghost, their remaining squad is hungry to prove to all that last season’s cup triumph was no fluke. What better way to establish themselves as true contenders than by toppling the reigning champions?
Barker is eager to showcase the fruits of his labor as a head coach. Last season, Stellies emerged victorious in the Carling Knockout final against TS Galaxy, but defeating a powerhouse like Pirates would be an even sweeter validation of their progress.
Ending Pirates’ reign in this competition would not only solidify Stellies’ status but also send shockwaves through the league. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
📸 A quick flash back to the time Stellies attack proved to much for Pirates👀 🔥#MTN8Final #WafaWafa pic.twitter.com/oBgKv4zKOn
— MTN8 Wafa Wafa! (@MTN8) October 2, 2024
