Orlando Pirates will battle with PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MTN 8 final on 7th October 2023 at 18:00 PM (SAST). The game will be played at the 85,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.
Pirates have been going through a rough patch as they were sent out of the CAF Champions League by Jwaneng Galaxy and will need to recover quickly if they want to defend their title against the league champions.
On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns made it to the group stages of the CAF Champions League and are going strong on the homefront. They won this trophy back in 2021 and will be keen to beat the Buccaneers in the MTN 8 for the first time in five meetings.
In the meantime, here is the Orlando Pirates latest news making the rounds.
Orlando Pirates latest news
The Buccaneers opened the month with a 2-1 win over Stellenbosch in the first leg of the MTN 8 Cup before going on a run of three consecutive defeats to Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of their CAF Champions League playoffs, Mamelodi Sundowns in the PSL and a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosh in the second leg of their MTN 8 Cup respectively. They progressed into the final of the eight-team competition by virtue of away goals
Pirates then lost on penalties to Jwaneng Galaxy to get dumped out of the CAF Champions League after winning the second leg at the Orlando Stadium 1-0.
Orlando Pirates latest news: Maswanganyi hopeful for turnaround against Sundowns
In the Orlando Pirates latest news, Patrick Maswanganyi is optimistic that his side can turn things around against Sundowns in the MTN 8 final.
Sundowns march into CAF Champions League Group Stage in style
“Everything was going very well and in the past, I think four games we haven’t won and that is the pressure for the team and also from everyone in the team,” said Maswanganyi.
“I think we have a great opportunity to bounce back coming to this MTN8 final,” added Maswanganyi, who set up the two goals when they beat Stellies 2-1 in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.
“So we want to do well, we want to start very well. I think we have to forget about what happened in the past because we can’t control the past but we have an opportunity to make history.
“We want to defend the cup – we want to win the cup as well.”
Orlando Pirates latest news: Jose Riveiro feels good about the options available
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says he is feeling good ahead of the MTN 8 final against Sundowns because of the pool of players at his disposal at the moment.
“I feel good, I feel glad to have many options and many players available,” Riveiro told the media.
“As I have said several times, we have a big squad not only in terms of number but in terms of quality. Sometimes, it is complicated, as you can imagine, to select an XI from this squad.
“It is always a difficult task but at the same time, it is challenging to make a mistake because they are all good and when they are on the field, it means they are fit, ready, mentally prepared, and in that way.
“I am a lucky coach to have those types of [players] in my hands, so I can’t complain.”
Riveiro will be playing against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday hoping to successfully defend the MTN 8 title.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 months ago
