Jose Riveiro and Steve Barker are crossing the t's and dotting the i's in their final preparations for the MTN8 final this Saturday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where Stellenbosch aim to be party poopers.
Party poopers in the sense that the Buccaneers already have champagne on ice as the favourites to claim the trophy, with the prospect of being the maiden team to win the MTN8 title three times on the spin.
More than that, Pirates are the defending champions, further cementing their status as the frontrunners.
Riveiro, on the other hand, stands a chance to win his fifth trophy in less than three full seasons at the club.
READ: MTN8 final prediction – Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch
On the other side of the fence, Barker’s can boast about reaching yet another cup final in quick succession as they won last season’s Carling Knockout.
The motivation to go all the way and put upside-down smiles on the faces of the Happy People, and “fix the country”, as detailed here, is one that could fuel Stellies to deliver a big upset.
Here, Hollywoodbets Sports Blog provides you with all the details for this fixture, from kick-off time to key players and how to place your bet.
How to watch & kick-off time
This tie is scheduled to kick-off at 6PM on Saturday and it will be aired on DStv channel 202, while also carried live on SABC 1 and various SABC radio stations.
Head to head
29 Dec 2023: Orlando Pirates 2 – 3 Stellenbosch
24 Sept 2023: Orlando Pirates 0 – 1 Stellenbosch
03 Mar 2023: Stellenbosch 1 – 0 Orlando Pirates
05 Aug 2023: Stellenbosch 1 – 0 Orlando Pirates
22 Jan 2023: Orlando Pirates 4 – 1 Stellenbosch
Moses Mabhida Stadium
If there was a marriage between a local cup competition and a football stadium – not many have a better love affair than the MTN8 and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
South Africa’s top eight competition final has been staged in Mabhida on nine occasions. The first time a MTN8 finale was hosted at the Fifa World Cup venue in 2010 was when Pirates beat Moroka Swallows 4-2 on penalties after a one-all stalemate.
ALSO READ: Here’s why Orlando Pirates will win the title for third time on the trot
The last four editions have been held at Mabhida and this season’s final is also headed to the same arena in Durban.
The 56 000-seater has been sold out for the final, making it the second time this venue will host a football game at full capacity in this campaign after AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs played their Betway Premiership match at a jam-packed Mabhida Stadium last month.
Players to watch
Thabiso Sesane’s journey with the Pirates has been nothing short of extraordinary, catapulting him into the starting lineup and solidifying his role as a key player.
Just a year ago, the 24-year-old was nowhere near the Bafana Bafana squad but now his efforts have earned him the recognition of Hugo Broos.
Through a string of stellar performances, Sesane has not only seized his moment but thrived in it.
When Tapelo Xoki went down with an injury, Sesane stepped up, displaying a fearless character and determination that keeps Nkosinathi Sibisi and defenders alike, on their toes..
Meanwhile for Stellies, Lehlohonolo Mojela has been the go-to man so far this season, racking up five goals across all competitions.
Mojela has seamlessly integrated into the squad quite well in a short period of time, proving himself a brilliant acquisition and a more than capable successor to Iqraam Rayners, who recently made the leap to Mamelodi Sundowns.
His relentless energy, sharp movement off the ball, and tenacious pressing fit perfectly with Stellies’ dynamic playing style. So far this season, he has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, and coach Barker will be hoping for more of the same as they gear up to face the Pirates.
ALSO READ: Here’s why Stellenbosch are likely to wrestle the MTN8 title from Orlando Pirates
Like Sesane, young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng’s ascent has been rapid and exhilarating. At just 19, he has emerged as a standout performer for the Bucs, with even higher expectations resting on his shoulders this season.
His blistering pace, technical skill, and footballing intelligence make him a linchpin in Pirates’ attacking strategy.
Betting odds
Pirates might be overwhelming favourites to successfully defend their title, but Stellies will not allow Riveiro’s men to walk over them like dead ants.
You can rest assured that Barker’s troops will put on a gallant fight against the high-in-confidence Pirates team. You can place your bet on this fixture here.
8/10 Orlando Pirates | 18/10 Draw | 4/1 Stellenbosch
📸 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
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