Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch MTN8 Final Preview: Line-ups, Predictions & Where to Watch

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Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch MTN8 Final Preview: Line-ups, Predictions & Where to Watch
Image - Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates are set for another MTN8 final hoping to win it for the fourth time in a row.

However, coach Steve Barker's Stellenbosch come into the match at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga hoping to avenge the controversial loss suffered in the last edition.

The Buccaneers hope to win their fourth MTN8 crown in a row which is unprecedented.

Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record

This season, Stellies have played eight games across all competitions; they have managed three wins, as many losses and two draws. In MTN8, they got past AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United to reach the final.

Pirates have five wins from the eight games played acrossl all tournaments, two losses and a draw. To reach the final, they got past Polokwane City and Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

In the head-to-head record, both teams have won twice in the last five engagements, with one ending in a draw.

What They Said

Steve Barker Stellenbosch
Image – Stellenbosch

“No, look, obviously it shows testimony to what a good team they’ve built to have seven players in the national team, and maybe one or two players that are injured, that could have been in the national team, Evidence [Makgopa] who’s been in the national team for a while now, who’s not there now.

“So, if you look at the whole squad with Hotto, who’s a seasoned Namibian International, basically, I believe Sihle Nduli is the level that could play national level so basically, they got a team of national team players, which shows the quality,” he said. 

“At the same time, what is in our favour and advantage, we’ve only got Thabo [Moloisane] currently there, which has allowed us this week to prepare with our full squad except one, whereas Pirates most likely only get their players rarely fresh and ready to prepare from tomorrow or Thursday onwards – Steve Barker, Stellenbosch coach.

Nkosinathi Sibisi Orlando Pirates
Image – Pirates

“Preparations for the game are going well. It’s good to be back training with the players again. It’s been a positive week for us, and we are looking forward to creating history in front of a full Mbombela.

“It’s never easy whenever you are injured. In terms of selection, I am ready for the weekend. Credit to Mbekezeli Mbokazi for the way he has been leading the team in my absence.

“Kudos to him for what he’s been doing for both the club and the national team. As a group, we embrace competition and will do everything to create history and keep the cup. After all, it is our cup – Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates captain.

Team News and Probable XI

Bucs have Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Sesane, Makhehleni Makhaula and Patrick Maswanganyi back in training. But Sesane might take time before being involved in a competitive game.

Tapelo Xoki might be out after injuring his knee in a recent accident.

Orlando Pirates
Image – Pirates

Stellies have not confirmed any injuries and with no suspensions, Barker will definitely go with the strongest team. The game might be too soon for Azerbaijani defender Turan Manafov who joined the team recently.

Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Hotto, Mbokazi, Seema, Lebitso, Mbatha, Nduli, Mofokeng, Appollis, Sebelebele. Makgopa

Stellenbosch Probable XI: Stephens, Mdaka, Stanic, Moloisane, Godswill, Khiba, Mthiyane, De Jong, Nku, Titus, Mojela

Where to Watch

The game will be live at SuperSport PSL Channel 202 and SABC Sport from 18.00 hours SAT.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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