Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu will lock horns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday in the final of the MTN8 competition.
AmaZulu have defeated Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs to reach the final, while Pirates saw off Royal AM and last year’s champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Romain ‘fohloza’ Folz’s men needed an away goal rule to progress to their first-ever cup final since the Nedbank Cup in 2009, which they lost to Wits. Pirates were superb against Sundowns, thrashing the Brazilians 3-0.
Both sides are struggling in the league, AmaZulu are languishing in seventh, while the Pirates occupy the fifth spot in the DStv Premiership.
MTN8 Final | Saturday 05 November | Moses Mabhida Stadium - 18:00
The Buccaneers are near to a title, after many years of heartbreaks. And by the looks of things, they are the favourites – considering that their counterparts for the day are the seventh-placed team from the DStv Premiership – Usuthu.
Jose’ Riveiro’s men are in need of a win after disappointing in the Soweto Derby last Saturday. Pirates’ star midfielder Miguel Timm missed the derby due to suspension and his role was largely missed by the boys in black and white.
For this reason, their main player received adequate rest and will arrive fresh to this all-important final.
Ezikamagebhula are also determined to secure the trophy at any cost – as there’s a high probability that arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns might lift the Premiership.
Meanwhile, Romain Folz, the gaffer of AmaZulu, could become the youngest coach (32) to win the MTN8 in the history of the competition. Interestingly, Fohloza has only won one game in South Africa. A win here will break a record that was set by Manqoba Mngqithi when he won the R8-million prize with Golden Arrows in 2009.
AmaZulu have the service of gritty players like George Maluleka, Gabadinho Mhango and captain Makhehlene Makhaula. Their experience is unparalleled, and the Soweto giants will not take him lightly if they are wise.
Take out Pirates’ pedigree, and Usuthu have this trophy in the bag. Anyhow, expect a fierce encounter this Saturday between these two squads.
HAIL the 2022/23 #MTN8 CHAMPIONS 🎉🎊🍾🎉🎊 @orlandopirates#MTN8Final pic.twitter.com/BbHuO47Byb
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) November 5, 2022
Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu: Head-to-head (h2h)
- These two teams last locked horns on the 14th of October, a few weeks back. Then, spoils were shared with a 1-all draw.
- In fact, both coaches are yet to win a trophy on South African soil.
- Pirates have lost six of the last seven cup finals. Their last trophy was the MTN8 in 2020.
- Pirates have conceded one goal in the MTN8 this season while AmaZulu have let in two goals.
Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu Prediction
Folz’s men had defeated Kaizer Chiefs in the semis, with an away goal rule. In the meantime, the Buccaneers registered a 3-0 aggregate win against Sundowns in the semis.
Going on, Riveiro’s have only conceded 8 goals in 16 matches, and they have lost just four times since the Spanish coach arrived. They also have much better as well as far more experienced players.
🚨 BREAKING:
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) November 14, 2022
Orlando Pirates have pleaded guilty for the pitch invasion after their MTN8 semi-final at Peter Mokhaba Stadium and were fined R200,000 by the PSL, half of which are suspended. https://t.co/GCpBDTvsgB pic.twitter.com/7lzA4Pb7Fh
Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu: Betting Tips
- Draw after 90 minutes
- Both Teams to Score
- Under 2.5 Goals