Big Game Preview_ MTN8 Final

In eliminating Sundowns on penalties in the semi-finals, Orlando Pirates also secured the right to defend a crown they have held for three years. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, were more comfortable winners over Sekhukhune, winning the home leg 2-0 before a 1-1 away result secured their spot. Our Big Game Preview is a statistical take on the final.

2 – This is only the second time in MTN8 history that the same two teams compete in back-to-back finals

Orlando Pirates

The Bucaneers know they are cast as the favourites going into their fourth consecutive MTN8 final. They have won their previous three, including twice as favourites so they are well versed in starting this game as the team to beat. They will be looking to become the first team in the competition’s 50 year history to win four consecutive titles. After a tough start in the league (losing two in a row), Pirates’ results have somewhat improved as players and the new coach started to find their fitness and form. Yet, the international break may have disrupted some of that momentum, so it will be interesting to see which Pirates pitches up on the day.

10 – Orlando Pirates have appeared in more Top 8 finals than any other team in the PSL era (10).

Stellenbosch

Opposing Pirates is a club that has never before won this trophy, but that has been punching close to glory for a couple of years. The neutral may be eager to see a different team getting their hands on silverware, but Stellies will be motivated by how they lost the final last season in controversial circumstances. Like Pirates, their form has been mixed at the start of the season, with defeats to Chiefs, Sundowns and Pirates intersped around a draw and their solitary win. That said, their fixture list was rated as the most difficult to start the campaign, so they may have the benefit of having faced stiffer competition ahead of the final.

2 – Stellies are the fifth different team to reach back-to-back finals (Pirates, Chiefs, SuperSport, CT City).

Head-to-head

The last 10 games between the sides have been pretty equal, with four wins for either side and two draws since the start of the 2022/23 season. Yet, Pirates will feel they have the edge given that the most recent result has favoured them (a 1-0 win last month). In addition, winning last season’s final against Stellies may give them the boost. However, Steve Barker will be happy with the timing of the fixture (immediately after the international break) where Pirates have had many players involved with Bafana Bafana. The margins are fine, so any of the factors may be the deciding factor. Plus, Stellies have a proud record to protect.

100% – Stellies have scored in every single game they have played in the MTN8 (11/11).

Team to win: Stellenbosch

Value bet: Both teams to score