ALL HAIL THE MTN8 KINGS!

Congrats to Bucs. A lot was said by our noisy neighbours after the Soweto Derby loss. Coach Riveiro was called a plumber by many, including the media. The lads ignored all the noise and went on to do the job in style. Saleng was also called names after failing to perform his magic in the derby, but he continued to show everyone that he’s growing a lot under coach Riveiro. I was so glad to see Pule making his way back into the team as that will create good competition between him, Hotto and Saleng. Pirates made a great signing in Timm, the boy is the best in defensive midfield. The Spanish Guitar has continued with his magic and he’s still cooking something nice and he’ll surprise a lot of people who were doubting him. Who’s the plumber now? Let’s continue to rally behind the boys, Mabhakaniya. AmaZulu FC gained a lot of unknown supporters during the final, but the Buccaneers silenced all of them in fine style and the country was fixed. Once and Always! Sibusiso Khumalo, Melmoth, KZN

Football can be a cruel game. The team that wanted it most and had more chances on the day ended up as the losers. The trophy went to Orlando. A perfect strike from a set-piece decided the outcome of the game, but Mothwa could have done better. The same coach that was labelled as a ‘plumber’ by Bucs fans won his first trophy on South African soil. History has shown that the team that knocks out Sundowns in any cup competition becomes the champions. The same Saleng that froze in the Soweto Derby became a hero on the night. The one disappointment is just that even though AmaZulu FC played in the final and received silver medals, they got the same prize money as all the teams that were knocked out in prior rounds. Wafa Wafa, winner takes all! Gavin Ryan, Emalahleni

Congrats to Pirates on winning the MTN. Welldeserved after slaughtering Sundowns in the semis. Saleng, oh, what a boykie. I wish to see more of young guys at other clubs. Well done, mfana. Our clubs must introduce such guys at a tender age to have a base for Bafana. I call the guy “Faka Umoya”. He is a complete player. Cebo Manyaapelo (MHSRIP) would enjoy his play. The guy is a package (ke combo) – i.e. intelligence, accuracy, skill, etc. Well, it was a game of two halves. AmaZulu FC gave a good account of themselves in the second half but could not penetrate the solid Pirates defence. Lorch can go to the big spenders of Pretoria, he is not missed at all. Even Pule can accompany him. Once a Pirate, Always a Khosi, ha, ha, ha. Lebatlo Joshua Mati, Dilopye, Temba

Bravo to Bucs for winning the MTN8. Their coach came to our shores as a no-name brand and we called him a ‘plumber’. I think he is going in the right direction in terms of building his own name. Mothwa, who is my favourite local goalkeeper, could have done a little bit better in judging the flight of the ball that led to the only goal of the game. In the second stanza, Pirates defended for dear life as AmaZulu FC were coming at them with everything that they had. Those were unfortunate incidents involving Sibisi and Mphahlele. Here’s wishing them both a speedy recovery. I’m not sure what happened to Monyane. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft

That is what we call a final! The match between Bhakaniya and AmaZulu FC was a real final. Both teams showed hunger for the cup. I was busy watching Springboks v Ireland, but I made sure to watch the highlights of the MTN8 final. Congrats to Pirates for winning it for a fourth time and it is theirs now. Well done, boys, you deserved it. Thanks to both teams for the good and interesting game, but sorry to Usuthu, next time guys. Waya Maxazi, Glenharvie

Congrats to Pirates for clinching the MTN8. Considering their impressive run throughout the tournament, they absolutely deserved it. It’s a remarkable achievement. Hopefully, they will use this success as motivation to improve their position in the league table. AmaZulu FC should also be given applause for reaching the final at the expense of a big club. They indeed are an ambitious club. Credit should also be given to their chairman for resurrecting the 90-year-old club from the pits of oblivion. Under the stewardship of Sandile Zungu, Usuthu have qualified for the CAF champions League and the MTN8 final. They have seasoned footballers who are capable of taking the team to greater heights if they’re properly combined. Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg

Let me take this wonderful opportunity to congratulate new MTN8 champions. Even if I’m a Chiefs supporter, indeed Pirates deserved the win. They outplayed and outsmarted the more determined Usuthu.

But at least AmaZulu FC did not disappoint, they lost with dignity. As supporters, we enjoyed the beautiful match as both teams lived up to expectations. Well done once again, Buccaneers, you indeed deserve the best.

Boitumelo Vanrooyen, Schweizer-Reneke

When Riveiro joined Pirates four months ago, most football supporters and a section of the media questioned his coaching credentials. With the MTN8 already in the trophy cabinet, his first major trophy as a football coach, he’s made his doubters eat humble pie. Saleng continued where he left off in the semi-finals against Sundowns by scoring a brilliant free kick. AmaZulu FC did little to come back into the game after the interval. They were not offensive enough, but the fact that they managed to reach the MTN8 final is an achievement on its own. Lastly, congrats to Pirates for lifting the MTN8. Bernard “Bra Ben” Tshukudu, Ga-Maria

Congratulations are in order to Pirates for winning the MTN8, though Mothwa should have done better for the goal. The final did not live up to expectations as it was dull and one would have found watching paint dry more exciting than being subjected to such a mediocre display. Huge credit to Timm as he had an excellent game and dictated play in the middle, but Usuthu did not pitch up. Having said that, cup finals are closely contested affairs and what matters is the result and Pirates did enough to clinch the trophy.

Marvin Matseke-Mabula, Burgersfort, Leboeng Rutseng

Congrats to the Mighty Bucs for winning this year’s MTN8 trophy. They really deserve to be crowned winners. They didn’t win it by luck but by hard work. Saleng! Saleng! Saleng! What a player he is. He can create, he can score and he is good in oneon-one situations. Hard luck to AmaZulu FC, they must go back to the drawing board. I think they must get an older coach. Folz can’t handle the pressure

that comes with coaching in the DStv Premiership. Nghamula Rikhotso-Nkonwana, Mageva village

Congrats to Pirates for bringing the MTN8 trophy home. You guys made us proud and we have bragging rights. To Saleng, please keep pushing, my guy. Your goal is a testimony of what we’ve preached: practice makes perfect. In the semis, you tried it and the ball hit the crossbar and this time it went in. To the haters, like Doc Khumalo, I suggest you stop your jealousy because you’ll die young of chest pains. Lastly, we are waiting for your first official coaching job, so stop causing traffic in the studio. Mothwa did nothing wrong in conceding that goal, it was well-executed. To the coach and the boys, congratulations, guys. We needed this. Tumelo Sidwell, via email

Congrats, Pirates, for winning the MTN8. Indeed, Bucs’ performance was lacklustre, but they managed to hold on and ultimately became the champions. Let’s hope they boys will develop more confidence and become competitive because the journey ahead is long and bumpy. I’m just happy that we as fans have something to celebrate after losing to our noisy neighbours the previous weekend. Now the MTN8 is history and the focus must be on the Carling Black Label Cup this weekend, where Chiefs are on the menu again. Bring it home, lads! Once a Pirate, always a Pirate. Thapelo Masiapata, Ramaroka village, Bolobedu

Big congrats to Pirates for clinching the MTN8. I believe they deserved it more than their opponents looking at their form in the competition,

even demolishing Downs in the semis. Though AmaZulu FC gave them a tough game, it wasn’t to be as Pirates’ defence was solid and never gave them a chance. However, they did miss some good chances, especially Zuma in the second half. All in all, good game, and I believe Mothwa is upset with himself after that error for the only goal of the match. Leponesa Chacha, Botshabelo