Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch Prediction: Silverware up for grabs

The Sea Robbers are in the final of the MTN 8 for a third year running. They won the two previous finals and if they manage to win this Saturday's encounter. It will be three titles in a row.

To Achieve that feat, they will have to navigate past Stellenbosch FC. The same way they overcame the challenge of Amazulu in 2022, and Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. Will Stellies prove to be too big of a challenge for Pirates or will the Western Cape side suffer the same fate as the finalists of yesteryear?

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Team News

We need to be on our toes if we are going to win against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday says Orlando Pirates Utility man Deon Hotto.

Olrando Pirates will be boosted by the possible return of Mannapule Saleng and Olisa Ndah. The two Orlando Pirates stars were injured in last Tuesday's clash against Polokwane City, according to sources. They were rested on the weekend by Jose Riveiro in hopes of using them in the final.

Stellenbosch FC's head coach Steve Barker said “To be in another final is exciting, not only for me but for the players and the club.”

Steve Barker has been pleased with Lehlohonolo Mojela's goal scoring form and he has stated that he had to protect the inform goal scorer ahead of this upcoming match. Another new signing has been shining for Stellies. Barker has praised Bradley saying "he has been getting on the score sheet and scoring some good goals. He is really good for us."

Orlando Pirates Predicted Line-up (4-4-2): Masuluke; Basadien, Mcaba, Toure, Moloisane, Barns, Butsaka, Ndluli, Titus, de Jong, Mojela.

Stellenbosch FC Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1): Chaine; Hotto, Maela, Sesane, van Rooyen, Makhaula, Mbatha, Ratomo, Maswanganyi, Gilberto, Magasa.

3 Way - Draw 9/4

Orlando Pirates have been flawless this season, having no losses in their last ten matches. They are currently on a run of six wins in a row in all competitions. It is clear that they are the in form team going into this major final.

Steve Barker's Stellenbosch are in decent form, however, they have struggled to produce consistent results after a bright start to this season. Six wins and five clean sheets at the start of this season in all competitions, was enough to convince many that Stellenbosch can sit at the table with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Especially after they knocked Sundowns out of the MTN 8 during that run of six wins in a row and keeping two clean sheets against them in the semi-finals.

Recent form has not been so complimentary for the western cape side. One win in their last four, has brought up concerns about the teams ability to take Orlando Pirates down on the weekend.

Steve Barker is a KwaZulu-Natal native. It may feel to him that, it is written in the stars for him and his side to lift the MTN 8 trophy on Saturday. Not to mention they will feel at home playing out of Moses Mabhida after playing a few of their home games at the stadium this season. Including their 1-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals of this competition.

Recent history in this cup final has given us two draws and one straight win. In the two draws, we had two big teams facing it off, 2021 saw Sundowns and Cape Town City play-out to a one all draw. 2023 saw Pirates and Sundowns play-out to a goalless draw.  its seems that the trend is that, once two big teams meet in the MTN 8 Final. They go on to play extra time and then penalties.

2022 was the outlier with Amazulu losing to Orlando Pirates in the regulated 90 minutes. Saturday will see two good sides going head-to-head on and it may be that history will repeat itself and follow the trend of 2021 and 2023.