Let the MTN8 final be won on the pitch

Now that the international break has come to an end, attention shifts firmly back to domestic football with the eagerly anticipated MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium tomorrow night.

- Katlego Modiba

This clash is more than just a cup decider; it carries all the ingredients of a grudge match. It's a repeat of last year's final that ended in controversial fashion.

On that occasion, the Buccaneers ran out 3-1 winners at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but the scoreline tells only half the story.

With the game poised at 1-1 heading into stoppage time, controversy struck. Relebohile Mofokeng restarted play several metres away from where the foul had occurred, catching Stellies off guard.

Tshegofatso Mabasa pounced, firing Pirates into a 2-1 lead. Stellies protested furiously, but the goal stood. Deflated, they conceded again almost immediately, Mofokeng sealing the result and handing Pirates their third successive MTN8 crown.