Durban hosts the MTN8 Final on Saturday when defending champions Orlando Pirates take on a Mamelodi Sundowns side who are in cracking form
Orlando Pirates
In the MTN8 quarter-finals, Pirates thrashed Sekhukhune 5-0 with Lepasa scoring a hat trick and that set up a semi-final clash with Stellenbosch.
Despite having a man red carded on 32 minutes of the first leg Stellies took the lead in at Athlone but Pirates hit back with a 65th-minute equalizer from Zakhele Lepasa and in injury time Deon Hotto made it 2-1 and that’s the way it finished. Pirates lost the second leg in Orlando 1-0 but went through on the away goals rule.
In the DSTV Prem, the Bucs have played just the 5 league games and they have a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats for 7 points.
Mamelodi Sundowns
After edging out Swallows 1-0 in a home quarter final Sundowns saw off Kaizer Chiefs in the semi finals with a 3-2 aggregate win. The first leg finished locked up at 1-1 with Mudau scoring the Downs equalizer in injury time.
Peter Shalulile opened the scoring in the first minute of the second leg and after Chiefs drew level he also found what proved to be the winner on the stroke of half time.
In the DSTV Prem Downs top the log with a 100% record and those 8 wins currently see them 8 points clear at the top of the standings.
Recent Head-to-Head
Sundowns have already beaten Pirates this season, a league game staged in Orlando on the 20th of September finished 1-0 in their favour.
Downs also did the DSTV Prem double over Pirates last season but the Bucs did knock Downs out of this competition at the semi-final stage, winning 3-0 on aggregate and they went on to lift the trophy.
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The Betting – Click here for all markets
To win this final in regulation time Pirates are 22/10 a draw is also 22/10 and Sundowns are trading at 12/10
Note, prices quoted are subject to change
The Verdict:
Downs will be eager to get their hands on the one major domestic trophy that is currently not in their cabinet and it’s hard to argue with their form this season. We can expect a bold show from Pirates but Sundowns get the vote to edge it in regulation time.
Suggested Bets: Sundowns to win at 12/10 Click here to bet
