The MTN8 final between defending champions Orlando Pirates and star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns is shaping up as a mouth-watering clash, with football fans across the country eagerly anticipating what could be a classic.
The final is scheduled for October 10 at 6 pm, although the venue is yet to be confirmed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The showdown between two of South African football’s biggest clubs is expected to be a major crowd-puller, while pundits, former players and analysts believe it will also deliver quality football and plenty of entertainment.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder and MTN8 ambassador Linda
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder and MTN8 ambassador Linda Mntambo, who visited The Witness offices and Pietermaritzburg with other MTN8 officials, said the final was exactly what South African football supporters wanted to see.
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Mntambo, who helped Pirates win the Wafa Wafa Cup in 2020, said it was becoming increasingly difficult to see the country’s most-followed clubs meeting in finals because of the quality across the PSL.
“This is a dream-come-true final and I can tell you that all the South Africans wanted to see a final like this,” said Mntambo.
I can tell you that besides being automatically
“I can tell you that besides being automatically a crowd-puller around the country, the match between the two will have all the ingredients to produce exciting soccer for the entire match. I also feel Pirates and Sundowns will produce quality finals and a lot of entertainment.”
Mntambo, who also turned out for Jomo Cosmos, Chippa United and Sekhukhune United, believes the two giants approach the game differently.
Personally I think Bucs are very good when in possession of the ball and their plan is always on the ball.
On the other side, Sundowns are carrying
“On the other side, Sundowns are carrying a lot of experience, made of stars and always difficult to play against them — not easy at all,” he said.
Despite acknowledging the quality of Sundowns, Mntambo has backed his former club to lift the trophy. The Buccaneers have already made history by reaching their fifth MTN8 final and have won the competition four times.
“With due respect to Sundowns and I am not looking down at them. I just feel Pirates will eventually win this trophy again because they will try their best to protect their current [title], but the Pretoria opponents will give them a tough time,” he said.
For MTN South Africa, the build-up to another
For MTN South Africa, the build-up to another edition of the Wafa Wafa tournament is also gathering momentum.
ALSO READ | MTN8 action begins this weekend
MTN SA senior manager of sponsorships and events Bongani Ntshingila said there was plenty in store for supporters, with the stakes high both on and off the field.
“The stakes are high this season. The MTN8 Last Fan Standing competition gives football fans a chance to win an incredible R1 million grand prize, alongside weekly rewards like MoMo and grocery vouchers, simply by recharging their mobile phones,” said Ntshingila.
He added that there is also R10 million
He added that there is also R10 million at stake for the winners, while every team in the MTN8 walks away with at least R1 million.
With Pirates chasing another piece of silverware and Sundowns looking to spoil the champions’ party, the October 10 showdown already has all the ingredients of an MTN8 final to remember.
Source: witness.co.za
