Pirates chase historic fourth straight crown

HISTORY beckons for Orlando Pirates, who could become the only team to win the country’s Top 8 competition four times in succession.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

They will face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night (6pm kickoff).

Pirates made history last season when they beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in the final to win a record-extending third straight title.

While the clash in Mbombela is an opportunity to set new records, it’s also a fresh start for Pirates’ new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou. The match will be his first cup final with the club, assuming he has recovered from a nasty injury sustained after their 3-0 win over Chippa United last Sunday.

Ouaddou’ arrival at Pirates was met with mixed reactions. Some believed he was the right person to succeed Riveiro - who won five trophies in three seasons - while others argued that his underwhelming track record made him unfit to coach a club of Pirates’ stature.