Orlando Pirates Sent Warning Ahead of MTN8 Final Against Mamelodi Sundowns

• Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise explained why he believes Masandawana carry an advantage into Sunday's MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates
• The Soweto giants have won the last four editions of the competition and are chasing a fifth consecutive title in Durban on Saturday, October 10
• South American forward Arthur Sales revealed what coach Miguel Cardoso told the squad at the start of the season about the MTN8

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise believes his side holds a psychological edge over Orlando Pirates ahead of the MTN8 final scheduled for Sunday in Durban.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, the 28-year-old pointed to the club's recent trophy win as a key factor that separates the two sides going into the final.

**Mkhulise Makes Case for Sundowns Advantage**

"Heading into this game, I think we do have some sort of advantage and upper hand because we recently won a trophy," Mkhulise told the media. "Mamelodi Sundowns will never be underdogs, so that alone will always give us an edge against our opponents. We have the best leadership, coaches and players in the club, so we will always have an advantage."

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The Buccaneers arrive at the final as the dominant force in this competition, having claimed the MTN8 title in each of the last four editions. Sundowns' most recent triumph in the tournament dates back to 2021, when they defeated Cape Town City on penalties after the match finished 1-1 through both regulation time and extra time.

Both clubs secured their places in the final via contrasting semi-final results. Sundowns eliminated Golden Arrows, while Pirates progressed past Sekhukhune United.

**Sales Points to Cardoso's Pre-Season Ambition**

Brazilian forward Arthur Sales reinforced the squad's determination to claim the trophy, revealing that head coach Miguel Cardoso had singled out the MTN8 as a primary target from the very beginning of the campaign.

"When the year started, the coach said, 'I want to fight for this cup [MTN8],' because Cardoso hasn't won this one yet. We want this cup," Sales said.

The comments from both players indicate that Sundowns are treating Sunday's fixture as more than a routine cup final, with the coaching staff having built the competition into the club's seasonal objectives well in advance of the knockout stages.

Source: Briefly News