The stage is officially set for Saturday’s colossal MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium. As Orlando Pirates lock horns with arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in pursuit of an unprecedented fifth consecutive Wafa Wafa crown, Buccaneers head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to lean heavily on his seasoned campaigners.
Following a clinical 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, Ouaddou is tipped to make three key tactical changes, bringing back experienced figures like Deon Hotto, Oswin Appollis, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane to bolster the starting line-up for the big occasion.
The Predicted Line-Up
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
- Defenders: Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto
- Midfielders: Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Masilela
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma
The Road to Durban
Both finalists took contrasting paths to reach the ultimate showdown.
Orlando Pirates cruised through their semi-final tie, overcoming Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate. A hard-fought 1-0 first-leg win courtesy of veteran Namibian defender Deon Hotto was followed by a resounding 3-0 masterclass in Soweto.
On the other side, Mamelodi Sundowns endured a nail-biting path, scraping past Lamontville Golden Arrows on the away-goals rule after an intense 3-3 aggregate stalemate, setting the stage for an explosive tactical battle in Durban.
