Pirates coach sends stern warning to Stellenbosch ahead of MTN8 final

Africa 13 September 2025 at 07:17

Hlayisani Magoro

News Editor

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has fired a warning shot to Stellenbosch FC ahead of the highly anticipated MTN8 final.

The two teams will square off at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 13 September, in what will be a repeat of last season’s final in the same competition.

While Stellies are aiming for a maiden title in the top eight competition, the Soweto giants have set sights on lifting the trophy for the fourth time in a row.

Now, with the match looming, the Bucs second in command has cautioned Stellenbosch to expect a tough encounter, stating the decider won’t be friendly.

“The beauty about our team is that we focus on the match, we don’t focus on the surroundings,” Ncikazi told the club's media department.

“We play every match to win it and tomorrow [Saturday] is not a friendly, tough opponent but like champions we have to face hurdles and Stellenbosch is a hurdle, we have to go over it to put our hands on the trophy.

Pirates reigned supreme when the two teams met at this stage of the competition last season, thanks to goals from Monnapule Saleng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Relebohile Mofokeng, while Bradley Mojela opened the scoring for Stellenbosch.