Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC: Road to MTN8 Final

Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC will face off in the MTN8 final as the curtains come down on the competition at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates are looking to win their fourth straight MTN8 title, and 14^th overall, but Stellies stand in their way as they are out to avenge last year’s loss when the Buccaneers beat them 3-1.

Ahead of the big match that will be played from 18:00, what has been their journey like to the final?

Pirates started with a 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the quarter-final on August 2 when Oswin Appollis was at the centre of both goals.

Appollis scored the opening goal after 13 minutes before winning the penalty that was converted by Patrick Maswanganyi after 35 minutes as Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team started the season in winning fashion.

Pirates overcame tough Sundowns test

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates — Image – Orlando Pirates

Pirates would land a tough semi-final fixture with Mamelodi Sundowns, where they played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Teboho Mokoena heading in after 36 minutes before Kamogelo Sebelebele equalised three minutes from time.

In the second leg, Sundowns scored first again, this time through Iqraam Rayners, who netted after 17 minutes, with Sebelebele coming to the rescue once more with the equaliser in the 73^rd minute.

The match would be decided on post-match penalties where Pirates won 4-1 to make it to a fourth final on the bounce.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch started their campaign with a 3-2 victory over AmaZulu that was decided in extra-time.

How did Stellenbosch get to the final?

Stellenbosch vs Sekhukhune – Picture courtesy of Sekhukhune United

Usuthu went ahead first when Keagan Allan broke the deadlock after 18 minutes but Sanele Barnes equalised in the 25^th minute before sealing his brace in the 69^th minute but Tebogo Mashigo drew AmaZulu level four minutes later.

In extra-time, Langelihle Phili scored for Stellies early and Steve Barker’s men held firm to book their semi-final ticket.

In the last four, they faced Sekhukhune United who they beat 2-0 in the fist leg with Nigerian defender Enyinnaya Godswill and Devin Titus between 10 minutes in the 23^rd and 33^rd minutes.

In the second leg, the match ended 1-1 with Mthetheleli Mthiyane opening the scoring for Stellies after 22 minutes before Siphesihle Mkhize equalised after the break but Barker’s team won 3-1 on aggregate.