‘For Pirates, it’s to continue where we left!’ Sundowns get MTN8 warning

Orlando Pirates star Thalente Mbatha is confident the Soweto giants will silence Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in the MTN8 final.

The Buccaneers host Masandawana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium aware that a win wil give them their fifth title in a row. The Brazilians last won the tournament in 2021 when they beat Cape Town City in penalties, following a 1-1 draw in both regulation and extra time.

Having struggled to deliver domestic Cups, Masandawana hope to get it right this weekend as they push for domestic dominance. Last season, they failed to win anything in Mzansi, but won the CAF Champions League.

Bafana Bafana international Mbatha still believes Bucs are still strong and can’t be stopped.

Bucs want to continue from where they stopped

“We have enough quality to believe [we can beat Sundowns], we’re a team filled with youngsters and we believe that these youngsters are truly doing well,” Mbatha told the media.

“As you can see, we have only conceded one goal in the league, and for us, it’s to continue where we left off [before the FIFA break] and continue giving the supporters what they want and continue playing our own football.

“[Playing youngsters] is something that’s really great for us, we have probably five youngsters who are starting games, which is something really good for South African football.

“So, I believe we will continue working hard. And winning the final would mean everything to us, to bless this club with more history,” the combative star added.