Pirates to have advantage over Sundowns in MTN8 final? ‘This will test the character’

Defending MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates are set to play Mamelodi Sundowns hoping to win their fifth title in a row.

The two clubs have produced the biggest number of players for Bafana Bafana who recently took part in back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea respectively.

Masandawana have suffered injuries on key players like Teboho Mokoena and most recently Bathusi Aubaas. The Sea Robbers haven’t suffered serious injuries in the FIFA International Break.

Despite the argument that the October 10 final might not meet the expectations, ex-Masandawana and Bucs star Benson Mhlongo has shared a different opinion. He argues that both teams have enough depth and quality to deliver on the pitch which will make the game even more competitive.

Nobody should complain about fatigue

“Both teams have got depth; both teams they’ve got replacements. Even though Sundowns suffered injuries, it gives other players a chance to show up,” Mhlongo tells KickOff.

“This will test the character of the Sundowns squad; both teams have enough players to replace whoever might not be playing.

“Nobody should complain about fatigue; both teams’ players were used during the international break, so there is no excuse.

“It’s gonna be tough for my team without Relebohile Mofokeng, because of that I see the cup final go all the way to the penalties. He makes a big difference, that boy. He makes life easier for other players. He was a key player in this fixture; they knew him very well,” he concluded.