Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Vuyo Mere believes Orlando Pirates have the edge heading into the MTN8 final against his former club.
The Buccaneers will face Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October, with both sides chasing another major domestic trophy.
Mere, who previously lifted the MTN8 with Sundowns, has backed Pirates to come out on top, pointing to their experience in the competition and the momentum they carried from last season.
“I would say Orlando Pirates [are the favourites] because of the experience in this tournament and the momentum that they took from last season,” Mere told iDiski Times.
Pirates have dominated the MTN8 in recent seasons, winning the competition four consecutive times. They will now attempt to make it five in a row when they meet Sundowns in Durban.
The upcoming final will be another chapter in an increasingly familiar rivalry. The two clubs have already met in two cup finals in recent years, with Pirates beating Sundowns in the 2023 MTN8 final before also defeating them in the Nedbank Cup final later that season.
Sundowns, however, will take confidence from their most recent league meeting with Pirates, where they claimed victory.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will also be targeting another final triumph as his side looks to maintain its impressive record in cup competitions.
With domestic silverware on the line, the MTN8 final promises another high-profile showdown between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
Who will lift the MTN8 trophy — Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns?
