MTN8 Final: Why Stellenbosch will beat Orlando Pirates to the crown

Orlando Pirates are set to play Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final that will be played on Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.

The Soweto giants come into the match as favourites owing to the quality within their squad. Having won the previous three editions, the Sea Robbers want to make it four in a row.

However, this not a done deal since Stellies have shown in the past that they can course an upste. Here are the five reasons why Steve Barker's men might carry the day.

They want to prove a point

The Saturday engagement will be a repeat of the 2024/25 edition where the Buccaneers controversially beat Stellenbosch to be crowned. With the game tied at 1-1, Bucs won a free-kick which was incorrectly taken, and much to the disappointment of Barker and Stellies fans, the referee allowed it.

The tactician and his arsenal will be hoping to beat Pirates on Saturday to make their point.

Recent head-to-head record

In the five matches played recently between the clubs across all competitions, both teams have managed two wins each and a draw. The most recent was in the Premier Soccer league where Kamogelo Sebelebele scored the only goal to hand them a win.

It is usually tough to beat a team twice in short space explaining why Stellenbosch might claim a vital win to silence Pirates faithful. The head-to-head record between the teams proves this theory.

The MTN8 run favours Stellies

Barker's men have been doing well in the ongoing edition as opposed to the defending champions. Well, someone might argue that AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United are small teams.

Lest you forget, Usuthu have lost just one PSL game this season while Babina Noko are at the bottom having won four games and managed a single draw. It underlined the quality within their squad despite the exit of some key players.

Enough time to rest ahead of the game

Stellenbosch lost just Thabo Moloisane in the just concluded international break, meaning they have had two or so weeks to prepare for this game. This is what Pirates did not have as some of their key players, about eight, were with their respective national teams.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has had limited time to prepare for the ficture, explaining why Stellies have an upper hand to win.

Injury concerns to key players

It is still not confirmed that Orlando Pirates duo Nkosinathi SIbisi and Patrick Maswanganyi are ready for the game despite their return to full training. Someone might argue Bucs have still been doing well in the recent assignments.

Yes, Pirates have won the last three PSL games, but you can't brush off the leadership Sibisi brings at the back and the creativity by Maswanganyi. It is what Barker might need to deliver their maiden MTN8 crown.