Arthur Sales makes honest Pirates admission as MTN8 final looms

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Sales makes Bucs admission ahead of cup decider

Africa Today at 04:03

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Arthur Sales makes honest Pirates admission as MTN8 final looms

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackPagePix

10.10.26 12:00 MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales has made an honest admission about Orlando Pirates ahead of the humdinger MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (18h00).

The Brazilians will be looking to snap a domestic cup hoodoo as they last tasted success in the 2021/22 campaign, while the Buccaneers are gunning for an unprecedented fifth successive top eight crown.

Notably, Sundowns have previously fallen short to Pirates in the MTN8 final during the 2023/24 season, before suffering the same fate in the semi-final last term - losing on penalties on both occasions.

With the stakes even higher in both camps owing to the growth of the intense rivalry between the two teams in recent years, Sales is relishing the highly-anticipated decider.

“Of course, it's a big game, two big clubs fighting in one final. It's different also when Pirates and Sundowns play in a league game, now it's a final,” said the Brazilian attacker.

"So, I'm feeling happy to play this kind of game, I prefer to play this final than play on a Wednesday on the other side, travelling to a small stadium. I prefer to play these games.

The 24-year-old frontman says Pirates are the toughest opponents for Sundowns in the South African topflight division, noting how the two teams have been competing for major honours.

“I think the tough game in South Africa is against Pirates. We stayed close for many years, we compete [for] cups, league. So, I think it's the most big game or tough game for us in South Africa,” Sales added.

Having recently returned from an injury layoff, it remains to be seen whether Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso will tap into the services of Sales for the crucial MTN8 final.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.