DURBAN - Defending champions Orlando Pirates will be out to retain their MTN8 crown when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
With silverware and bragging rights on the line, two of South African football’s biggest clubs are preparing for another high-stakes encounter.
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed considerable success in domestic competitions in recent years. But head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes that while past triumphs can offer a psychological boost, they will have little bearing on what happens on the pitch.
For Ouaddou, the final will come down to preparation, tactics and how each side responds to the occasion.
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“Look, it’s a different game and a different era. You have to prepare for it with a lot of ambition and a lot of seriousness,” Ouaddou says.
“Some coaches can change their way to play; they may have a different strategy. These things can help mentally, but the reality will be the match and how you attack the match and how you prepare for it, especially how you study the opponent and how you can use the weaknesses of the opponent.”
The pressure of a final can often be as challenging as the opposition itself. But the Buccaneers insist they are determined to shut out the noise and concentrate on the job in front of them.
Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki says the team will treat Saturday’s showdown on its own merits rather than dwelling on previous finals.
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“What is known to us is to always approach the final as it is and not look at past finals. The finals we have played in the past are all in the past for us.”
Pirates and Sundowns are no strangers to battles with major stakes attached. Both teams have also enjoyed strong form heading into the final, setting the scene for what Ouaddou expects to be a competitive and high-quality encounter.
“I think the two teams will come with a good mindset. I think we are in a good timing, either for them or for us. The two teams are doing well before the FIFA break. Hopefully, we will have a good game,” Ouaddou adds.