Orlando Pirates coach concedes pride at stake in MTN8 final

10.10.26 12:00 MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs admits that bragging rights are on the line ahead of the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (18h00).

The defending champions head into the blockbuster clash chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive top eight crown, while the Brazilians are desperately searching for a first domestic cup title since the 2021/22 season.

Pirates pipped Sundowns to the MTN8 cup in the 2023/24 campaign, before eliminating them in the semi-final last term - winning on penalties on both occasions.

Furthermore, the Buccaneers knocked the Tshwane giants off their perch in the league last season, ending their eight-year monopoly, which has intensified the rivalry between the two teams.

With the humdinger looming, Jacobs acknowledges that securing a favourable result over the reigning African champions won't be a walk in the park, conceding that pride is at stake.

“As always, we take this trophy absolutely serious. We're so privileged to be in this tournament and in the final for the fifth consecutive season, we don't take that lightly,” the Bucs second in command told OPTV.

"There's a lot of pride at stake here, let's be honest, it's a big opponent in front of us. But we come into this game as champions, not only of the MTN8 but also the PSL.

The former Cape Town City chief analyst says the team is fully prepared thanks to using the FIFA international break to good effect, and is optimistic of retaining the MTN8 cup.

“With regards to the preparations, we've had a good two weeks while the Bafana boys were away. We did some hard work with the rest of the guys and we feel we're fully prepared,” Jacobs added.

"If we come here tomorrow, we do our best, everybody performs the way they have been in the last two weeks - I think we'll come home with the fifth title. We're excited for the game and I guarantee you we've left no stone unturned.

Whether Pirates will add another MTN8 trophy to their cabinet or Sundowns will snap their domestic cup hoodoo remains to be seen, with both teams on a high ahead of the encounter.

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.

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