It’s all systems go ahead of the eagerly awaited MTN-8 final at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.
League champions Mamelodi Sundowns will face MTN8 title defenders Orlando Pirates in the sold-out match. Both teams were hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government at a breakfast meeting earlier on Friday.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have only met once in the MTN 8 final since the competition was launched in 1972. Both teams have already locked horns in the DSTV premiership this season. With log leaders Sundowns claiming a one-nil victory.
However, both teams say this encounter will be different.
“We will do our best as the team as the big brand that has got loyal supporters and many of them that don’t change because of trophies. We will try and represent the brand with pride,” says Orlando Pirates Assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi.
Mamelodi Sundowns Assistant Coach Manqoba Mnqithi says, “I do not want to lie and say I think Sundowns are going to win tomorrow, It’s going to be a very difficult match. both teams are good enough to win this trophy. Both teams have got what it takes to win this trophy.”
The encounter is expected to boost the local economy.
“It is pleasing to note that the hotel operators and accommodation establishments are reporting that four and five star hotels are already doing well. This weekend’s soccer clash coincides with the end of the school holidays. We expect that the accommodation bookings will spike, benefiting establishments in and around Durban and along the North Coast as well,” explains KZN MEC for Economic Development, Siboniso Duma.
Gates will open at 2pm and the kick-off- is at 6pm.
