Sphelele Mkhulise makes bullish claim as MTN8 final looms

10.10.26 12:00 MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

-

:

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

-

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise has made a bullish claim ahead of the humdinger MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at the famed Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Brazilians are in search of their first domestic cup title since the 2021/22 campaign, while the Buccaneers are gunning for an unprecedented fifth consecutive top eight crown.

Sundowns have previously succumbed to defeat at the hands of Pirates in the MTN8 final during the 2023/24 season, before suffering the same fate against the Sea Robbers in the semi-final last term.

Mkhulise, however, is unfazed by past results and says the Tshwane giants are favourites for the trophy, owing to the best in class hierarchy, technical team, and the playing personnel.

“I think we have an advantage, we can never be underdogs as Sundowns, so we always have an advantage,” said the midfielder who was part of the Sundowns squad that last tasted domestic cup success.

"We have the best leadership, the best coaches, the best players, so we always have that advantage.

The 30-year-old former Bafana international has highlighted the grave importance of lifting the MTN8 cup, revealing the club's ambition to stamp their authority in every competition.

“This is an important cup for us to win because it's been a long time since we won it, Pirates have been dominating and winning this cup. So, it's important for us to win it,” Mkhulise added.

"And we've started well because we already have a cup this season, we wish to continue on that trajectory because at Sundowns we want to dominate every season and win all the trophies we compete for.

Whether Sundowns will break their domestic cup hoodoo at the expense of Pirates remains to be seen, with both teams beaming with confidence thanks to their impressive runs before the FIFA hiatus.

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.

Related teams and leagues

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

MTN 8 Cup South Africa