Orlando Pirates held their official MTN8 Media Day ahead of Saturday’s highly-anticipated final, where they will face Stellenbosch FC at a sold-out Mbombela Stadium.
Tickets for what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter were snapped up within hours of going on sale, underlining the magnitude of the occasion.
It will be the second MTN8 final contested by the two sides in as many years with the Buccaneers – who go in as hosts and defending champions – set to play in front of a capacity home crowd for the third time in this year’s competition.
According to head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Soweto Giants are determined to repay the backing shown by the supporters throughout the campaign.
“We are happy to be back at a stadium that will be packed,” he said. “We want to deliver a performance worthy of our supporters.”
Ahead of the blockbuster encounter, Pirates have been boosted by club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi’s return to training. The defender has been a notable absentee over the past few weeks, missing both legs of the semifinal showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns.
He shared his thoughts on the squad’s preparations for their fourth consecutive MTN8 final.
“Preparations for the game are going well, he said. “It’s good to be back training with the players again. It’s been a positive week for us, and we are looking forward to creating history in front of a full Mbombela.”
“It’s never easy whenever you are injured. In terms of selection, I am ready for the weekend and credit to Mbokazi for the way he has been leading the team in my absence. Kudos to him for what he’s been doing for both the club and the national team. As a group, we embrace competition and will do everything to create history and keep the cup. After all, it is our cup.”
Saturday’s final will be Pirates’ fourth consecutive appearances in the last two of the competition. They will be resuming their quest to become the first side to clinch four titles back-to-back, having succeeded in their three previous attempts.
No stranger to the winners’ podium, Sibisi believes lifting the trophy a fourth time will be special.
“It’s always special to lift a trophy,”Sibisi added. “Lifting it for the fourth time will be special, not only for the club and the players but for the supporters as well. There will be no pressure on me personally – I’ve already won five trophies with the club; this is not about me but about the group. Every final is special, and hopefully this one will be memorable for all the players and the club.”
Kick-off on Saturday is scheduled for 18h00. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-match festivities at Mbombela Stadium.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
