The MTN8 – as we know the cup competition today – was first contested in 1972 with the 48th edition set for its semi-finals this weekend. Photo: Backpagepix

MTN8 final preview: All you need to know

Saturday’s MTN8 final will see Orlando Pirates gunning for an 11th crown. Can AmaZulu stand in their way? Here’s a full match preview.

by James Freemantle

04-11-2022 10:00

in Premier Soccer League

The MTN8 – as we know the cup competition today – was first contested in 1972 with the 48th edition set for its semi-finals this weekend. Photo: Backpagepix

Tomorrow night’s MTN8 final is undoubtedly the highlight of an otherwise quiet competitive football weekend in Mzansi.

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Here’s a full match preview.

MTN8 final: All you need to know

MTN8 final Key info

Date: Saturday 5 November
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Kickoff time: 6pm
Pirates gunning for their 11th crown
AmaZulu aiming for their maiden title

READ: Orlando Pirates drop massive MTN8 final selection hint

READ: Three MTN8 final selection dilemmas for Pirates boss Riveiro

PSL Transfer rumours — Composite image featuring Jose Riveiro and Innocent Maela of Orlando Pirates. Photos: Backpagepix

Orlando Pirates team news

Vincent Pule is back in training for the Buccaneers, but serious doubts remain over skipper Innocent Maela’s chances of taking part after he hobbled off in the first half of Pirates’ Soweto Derby defeat with a hamstring problem. Bucs management might risk Maela with no matches on the horizon for a while. Meanwhile, Thabang Monare is also a doubt.

READ: Wrapping this morning’s top Orlando Pirates stories

AmaZulu team news

George Maluleka was absent for Usuthu’s win over Stellenbosch in the DStv Premiership last time out but he should return here. Outstanding goalkeeper Veli Mothwa has been in sparkling form lately, and they may need more of the same on Saturday. He’s bound to be a busy man, but he’s kept three clean sheets in his last three outings and will be full of confidence.

Chiefs — There are few things sweeter than a Man of the Match award against your former club. Photo: @AmaZuluFootball / Twitter.

Head-to-head

A goal apiece ensured a stalemate when the two sides met in the league in early October, but it was a result that managed to stretch Pirates’ unbeaten run in this particular head-to-head.

READ: Who has won the most MTN8 titles?

Pirates were victorious the last time these two sides met in a cup clash, with a second-half Deon Hotto goal enough to clinch a Nedbank Cup win back in February. The last time Pirates lost to AmaZulu in a cup encounter was all the way back in 1990.

saleng orlando pirates — Man of the moment: Orlando Pirates striker-cum-winger Monnapule Saleng. Image via Twitter @Unplayable

Last five meetings between Pirates and AmaZulu

Needless to say, Pirates hold the upper hand over AmaZulu in the most recent meetings. It’s also clear that clashes between these sides are often settled by the small details. Two 1-1 stalemates as well as three Pirates wins, but all of those successes were by a single goal.