Orlando Pirates will face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final on Saturday with both teams guaranteed to make history.
Pirates are looking to become the first team to claim three successive MTN8 crowns while Stellenbosch are seeking their maiden title.
Ahead of the final, set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, there are key players who will likely decide where the trophy will head.
ORLANDO PIRATES
Sipho Chaine
The Pirates goalkeeper will be a key man as he is not just the last line of defence but will also be called into action if the tie heads to post-match penalties.
Chaine has come up trumps in shootouts before and will be needed to produce his magic if it goes that far.
However, over the 90 minutes, he will need to have his concentration at an optimum since the game will likely be a low-scoring one and it could be down to one moment of brilliance.
Thabiso Sesane
The centre-back has seen his good form rewarded with a call-up to the national team and will need to stand tall to repel any attacks from Stellenbosch.
With the fitness of his partner Olisa Ndah still in doubt, Sesane will need to be the leader at the back and will also act as an extra weapon in attack for the Soweto giants especially when they receive a set-piece.
Thalente Mbatha
The midfielder is key to how Pirates play as he is the man who links defence and attack. Mbatha will decide the tempo of the game with everything flowing through him and he also has an eye for goal which could come in handy on Saturday.
Relebohile Mofokeng
Teen sensation Relebohile Mofokeng has turned into a clutch player for Pirates in finals so could he do it again?
‘Rele’ settled the Nedbank final in favour of Pirates last season and another such act cannot be ruled out. The winger’s pace and trickery down the left should be a problem for Stellenbosch and he will be instrumental not just in creating chances but also finishing them off.
STELLENBOSCH
Sage Stephens
The Stellenbosch goalkeeper was man of the match when they eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final and will likely make life difficult for Jose Riveiro’s men.
Stephens, who is well rested after missing last weekend’s league clash with Polokwane, offers Stellenbosch stability and calmness at the back, which will be crucial in their quest to make history.
Fawaaz Basadien
With three goals and an assist already this season, it is easy to see why Fawaaz Basadien attracted the interest of Kaizer Chiefs among other top teams.
The left-back is adept at defending but also a lethal weapon in attack and with two of his three goals coming from the MTN8, Pirates have their work cut out.
Jayden Adams
The midfielder, who has scored a goal and provided an assist, is one of Stellenbosch’s creative forces and will be pulling the strings just behind the main striker.
Adams can play in central midfield and also in the No.10 role and he will be roaming in midfield depending on how the game pans out.
Lehlohonolo Mojela
The former TS Galaxy man has wasted no time to make his presence felt at Stellenbosch with five goals in eight games this season.
The forward does not need two opportunities to score as finds his way past defenders whether it is a high pressing team or a low block.
Pirates’ defenders will have it rough against him at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
