MTN8 Final: How Orlando Pirates Can Extend Their Dominance Over Mamelodi Sundowns
- Orlando Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final after both sides advanced through their respective semi-finals
- The Soweto giants ended Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance as winners of the Betway Premiership last season
- A football analyst spoke exclusively to Briefly News about what Pirates need to do to extend their record against the Brazilians
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Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to renew their rivalry in the MTN8 final, and football analyst Uche Anuma believes the Buccaneers have a genuine path to victory against the Brazilians.
Sundowns booked their place in the Wafa Wafa final by advancing past Golden Arrows on the away-goals rule after the two sides finished level at 3-3 on aggregate. Pirates, meanwhile, dispatched Sekhukhune United in the other semi-final to set up yet another showdown between South Africa's two most prominent clubs.
**Pirates' Recent Edge Over the Brazilians**
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Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, Anuma noted that the Buccaneers have had the upper hand over Sundowns in recent final meetings between the two clubs, and said there is no reason why that trend cannot continue.
"Orlando Pirates being in another final against Mamelodi Sundowns is what we've been seeing for years now, and the recent meetings in the final of a competition between both teams — the Bucs have edged the Brazilians," Anuma said.
"Mamelodi Sundowns would hope to end that this year, but Pirates still have a chance to extend their record in the MTN8."
**Finishing Will Be the Deciding Factor**
Anuma acknowledged that Pirates head into the final without one of their most influential players, following the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng during the summer transfer window. Despite that setback, he argued that Sundowns are not without their own vulnerabilities, having shown signs of inconsistency in their recent performances.
"Pirates might not be at their best after losing Relebohile Mofokeng in the summer, but Sundowns are not convincing themselves as it shows they are also struggling a little," the analyst said.
He added that Pirates can expect opportunities to present themselves in the final, given the nature of games between these two sides. However, he stressed that clinical finishing will be the difference.
"Against Sundowns, they would obviously get chances, so it's up to the striker and others to be prolific when they get a goalscoring opportunity," Anuma told Briefly News.
With both clubs carrying some uncertainty into the fixture, the MTN8 final shapes up as a closely contested affair, and one in which small margins are likely to determine the outcome.
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Source: Briefly News
