Kaizer Chiefs will look to win their first MTN8 title since 2008 when they clash with Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban
Amakhosi won the inaugural MTN8 six years ago but have since struggled to make an impact in the competition.
Since 2008, Pirates claimed back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011, famously beating Chiefs after extra-time in 2001, courtesy of a lone goal from Oupa Manyisa.
Chiefs have failed to reach the final of the top eight since 2008 and Saturday provides the perfect opportunity for the Naturena outfit to claim their 15th top eight trophy.
Stuart Baxter’s side head into the final as favourites, considering the pair’s past meetings at Moses Mabhida. Chiefs have never lost a Soweto Derby in Durban and Saturday’s clash will be the fourth time the city hosts the epic contest.
Chiefs booked their spot in the final thanks to a dominant 4-0 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces in the opening round, before beating Platinum Stars home and away during the semifinals.
On the injury front, Itumeleng Khune has been ruled out of the final with injury and will not feature. Baxter will make a late decision on whether to start with Brilliant Khuzwayo or Riyaad Pieterse between the posts.
The only other player that will not take part is Katlego Mphela, who suffered an injury during the Glamour Boys’ second leg semifinal against Stars in Johannesburg.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, will be hoping for a better result in the MTN8 final this time around, after they were beaten 3-1 on penalties by Platinum Stars in last year’s edition.
This weekend’s final will be Pirates’ fifth in a row. The Sea Robbers lifted the Nedbank Cup trophy in May after finishing runners-up in last season’s MTN8, as well as the Telkom Knockout and Caf Champions League competitions.
Vladimir Vermezovic’s outfit head into the final having edged SuperSport United 2-1 in the opening round, before beating Bidvest Wits twice in the semifinals.
In team news, Pirates have a clean bill of health after Thandani Ntshumayelo has been declared fit to play in this game and will travel with the match squad on Friday.
The last time the two met in Durban was in 2010, in a Telkom Knockout semifinal in April 2010. A full 90 minutes and extra-time failed to separate the pair and penalties followed, which Chiefs ran out comfortable 3-0 winners from the spot.
Chiefs and Pirates have already met this season, in the Carling Black Label Cup, which Pirates won on penalties after the game ended goalless after 90 minutes.
The pair met twice last season, with Chiefs claiming an ‘away’ win at Soccer City, thanks to a goal from Willard Katsande in the 62nd minute, while the other game ended in a 1-1 Absa Premiership draw at the same venue.
Since the 2008 MTN8 final, the pair have met nine times in all competitions. Five of those nine ties have ended in draws, proving how tight the game promises to be on Saturday.
