Defending MTN8 Cup champions Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are both confident of emerging victorious when the teams meet in the sold-out final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
Pirates will be hoping to retain the trophy, which they have won consecutively over the past four seasons.
Both teams have been preparing for the match without key players who were part of the Bafana Bafana squad and only rejoined their respective clubs on Tuesday.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is happy with the team’s preparations.
“We had around two weeks to prepare for this game. Our aim is just to go into that game with big ambition, willing to do well, to show the best face of Orlando Pirates and, of course, to give a very good image of football in South Africa,” said Ouaddou.
The Moroccan mentor said the team had been watching a lot of videos to study their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and develop their strategy.
Meanwhile, this will be Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso’s first MTN8 final against Pirates, and he is also pleased to welcome back the Bafana Bafana contingent, despite some players picking up injuries while on international duty.
“Obviously, yesterday they arrived early in the morning, and we assessed them during the day. It’s the first contact that the doctors had with the players.
“What is 100% sure is that we cannot risk anything with the players, considering that this match at the weekend is very important,” explained Cardoso.
The Portugal-born coach, who recently extended his contract with Sundowns, is confident that his team can make history on Saturday.
“We want to do it as best as we can, and we understand the moment. Both teams are in a good moment.
“Obviously, let’s hope the best team wins, and let’s hope that Sundowns is the best team,” remarked Cardoso.
The MTN8 final is scheduled for 18:00.
