Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Vuyo Mere has made a bold prediction ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated MTN8 final, backing his former club to beat Orlando Pirates 3-1.
The two South African giants will meet at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night, with the clash marking their first meeting of the season.
Mere expects an entertaining contest, predicting that both teams will adopt an attacking approach. However, he believes Sundowns have enough quality to come out on top and lift the MTN8 trophy.
Mere concerned by Sundowns’ defence
While backing Sundowns to win, Mere admitted that the team’s recent defensive performances have given him some concern.
The former right-back pointed out that Sundowns have been conceding more goals than supporters have traditionally come to expect from the club.
However, he believes their attacking strength has helped compensate for those defensive lapses.
“They are a quality team that sets the standard high,” Mere said. He added that although Sundowns have been conceding goals, they have often managed to score more than their opponents.
That could prove important against a Pirates side boasting plenty of attacking firepower.
Pirates pose a serious threat
Mere knows Sundowns cannot afford to underestimate the Buccaneers.
Despite undergoing significant changes to their squad and bringing through younger players, Pirates remain a dangerous attacking team and have shown they can compete with the country’s top sides.
Mere highlighted Pirates’ quality as one of the biggest challenges facing Sundowns in the final.
“I think it’s a worrying factor when you look at the team that they are playing against: Orlando Pirates, who have a lethal team,” he said.
The Buccaneers also have recent cup-final history against Sundowns on their side, although Sundowns won their most recent meeting 2-1 at FNB Stadium earlier this year.
With both sides possessing dangerous attacking options, Mere’s predicted 3-1 scoreline could make for a thrilling MTN8 final.
Who will lift the MTN8 trophy on Saturday — Sundowns or Pirates?
