Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates? Mamelodi Sundowns Star Reveals Who the Brazilians Fear Most

• Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales named Orlando Pirates as the only South African club capable of genuinely competing with Sundowns
• Sales made the comments ahead of the MTN8 final between the two sides at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday
• The Brazilian forward also revealed what head coach Miguel Cardoso has told the squad about the MTN8 this season

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales has declared Orlando Pirates the only club in South Africa truly equipped to compete with the Brazilians, setting the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the showpiece event, Sales was candid about his respect for the Soweto giants, drawing a clear distinction between cup football and regular league fixtures.

"I think the tough games in South Africa are against Pirates," Sales told Soccer Laduma. "Many years we stay close (in the league). We compete (for) cups and league. I think it's the biggest game for us in South Africa."

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The Brazilian was equally forthcoming about the significance of a final as opposed to a midweek league encounter. "It's different to play Sundowns and Pirates in a league game. Now it's a final. I am feeling happy to play this kind of game. I prefer to play this final to play on a Wednesday and travel to a small stadium. I prefer these games more for the level," he said.

**Pirates Closed the Gap Last Season**

Sales' comments carry context. Pirates ended Sundowns' eight-year stranglehold on the Premier Soccer League title last season, lifting the championship after a 14-year wait. The Buccaneers also claimed both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies, cementing their status as a genuine rival.

Under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates have carried that momentum into the current campaign. They sit just one point behind Sundowns in the league with a game in hand, and their appearance in Saturday's final marks a record fifth consecutive MTN8 final for the club.

**Sales Eyes End to Sundowns' MTN8 Drought**

For Sundowns, the MTN8 represents unfinished business. The Pretoria side have not lifted the trophy in four years, and Sales, returning from injury after missing the start of the season, says the squad is motivated to change that.

"When the year started, the coach said, 'I want to fight for this cup' because [Miguel] Cardoso has not won this one. We see a lot of people talking about this game. Our answer for this one is: we want this cup," Sales said.

Source: Briefly News