Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Who will take home the coveted cup?
ORLANDO Pirates will play host to AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban today (6pm kick-off), as a chance to win and keep the MTN8 Cup beckons.
The Buccaneers are the most successful side in this competition since the major sponsor took over in 2008, with three triumphs to their name.
Following MTN’s decision to change their trophy next season, Pirates will have the honour of keeping the MTN8 trophy for good if they’re able to beat Usuthu this evening.
AmaZulu, on the other hand, could claim their first Wafa Wafa gong and first trophy in the Premier Soccer League era, but would have to return it a year later and it will go to the sponsor’s showroom.
Both Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and AmaZulu tactician Romain Folz are seeking a first trophy win in South African football. It will be almost instant success for both men, having joined their clubs this season.
The Buccaneers, under the stewardship of new coach Riveiro, have been a ball of inconsistency this season, decimating the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns one week and then going on to lose against a raw Kaizer Chiefs side.
The Soweto-based club will head into this encounter with relative confidence, however, considering their excellent head to head record against AmaZulu. The Sea Robbers are yet to lose to AmaZulu since 2013, an
unbeaten streak of 16 games.
The introduction of Folz as head of AmaZulu also provides an interesting spin on what is expected on the day.
The innovative French-Moroccan in both his time at Marumo Gallants and Usuthu has shown his understanding of the importance of defensive organisation prior to his preferred ball-dominating style of play.
Pirates have been on the wrong end of a few high-profile goalkeeping errors of late.
Siyabonga Mpontshane getting caught off the line in the Soweto Derby did not help his case as he looks to take over the gloves from Richard Ofori.
Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi hesitantly addressed the uncertainty surrounding one of the most important positions on the field of play, telling members of the media on Thursday that he and team were yet to decide on who will take part in the MTN8 final.
“We will put (out) the best goalkeeper that the club has, based on the training we have had and based on the number of training that we have had.
“I’m sure the goalkeeper that will be in the starting line-up will make the supporters of Pirates very proud,” Ncikazi explained.