In the looming showdown of the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday evening, Pirates’ assistant coach, Sergio Almenara, exudes confidence that his players will keep their emotions in check despite the heated history between the two teams.
Almenara reflected on their recent encounter with Mamelodi Sundowns, where emotions ran high, leading to the expulsion of their second assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi. He mentioned that such incidents do occur but should not define the team’s overall temperament.
“Emotions will be heightened considering that this is a do-or-die match since it is a final, with the winner receiving a prize money of R8 million while the loser will receive R800,000 just like all the other six teams,” Almenara acknowledged to reporters.
However, he quickly pointed out that the team are not letting past events dictate their approach. “We are talking about one individual, right? That doesn’t mean that everyone is the same,” said Almenara. “We are facing the game as usual, with the confidence that we have been working well during the week, with the confidence that we have the quality to face a good team in various conditions, that’s all.”
"When they are on the field it means they are fit, ready and mentally prepared."
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Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says he is lucky to have a plethora of options with Thembinkosi Lorch, Olisa Ndah and Vincent Pule back training. https://t.co/a3b6NA3OHM pic.twitter.com/TRFMhLXMh4
It’s worth noting that the emotions surrounding this rivalry are not new. Last season, Pirates displayed remarkable emotional control when they outclassed Sundowns 3-0 in the second leg of the same competition at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The result had far-reaching implications as it influenced the appointment of Rulani Mokwena as Sundowns’ head coach.
Subsequently, Pirates triumphed in the competition, defeating AmaZulu 1-0 at the same venue in November the following year. Their track record in high-stakes matches suggests that they are no strangers to handling the emotional pressures of such encounters.
As the MTN8 Final approaches, both teams are gearing up for a fierce battle on the pitch. The coveted R8 million prize money hangs in the balance, providing the players with added motivation to perform at their best. The history of intense emotions between these sides may serve as a backdrop, but it is the skill, strategy, and determination of the players that will ultimately decide the outcome.
The stage is set for an electrifying sold-out encounter as fans eagerly anticipate kick-off at 18h00.
