Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to end their long wait for the MTN8 trophy when they face defending champions Orlando Pirates in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The Brazilians have repeatedly fallen short in the competition, but head coach Miguel Cardoso says they will approach the final with full commitment while remaining mindful of the wider demands of the season.
We have not only to think about this game but what impact we don’t want this game to have in a season,” Cardoso said.
The Sundowns coach also provided an update on the fitness of key players Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena, who picked up muscle injuries during the international break.
Cardoso said both players had shown positive signs of recovery, but their availability would only be determined at the last minute.
I will never put a player to play unless he’s 100 percent fit,” he said.
“We cannot risk to put a player in case they are not ready. I’m not saying they are not, because obviously there are signs that evolution was pretty good.”
Cardoso also stressed the importance of the final to Sundowns and the country, with the club representing South Africa on the continental stage.
We know the responsibility of a match like this. We don’t take nothing for granted. We want to do well,” he said.
“It will be a high-level match, in the same level of a Champions League match absolutely, because Orlando Pirates is a high-level team also full of quality players.”
Defender Grant Kekana believes the mood in the Sundowns camp is different this season after their recent success against Egyptian giants Al Ahli.
We’ve fallen short quite a few times in this competition. It’s sort of been our Achilles heel but I think the mood, the energy is different in the camp,” Kekana said.
“At Mamelodi Sundowns we don’t play competitions to compete. I think we play them to dominate.”
Tashreeq Matthews echoed that determination, describing the final as different from any other match.
It’s a final. It’s not like any other game,” Matthews said. “Just very excited that we’re here and just going to do our best to get through it and try and get the victory.”
Arthur Sales, meanwhile, said he relishes the opportunity to play in high-profile matches such as the Sundowns-Pirates clash.
It’s a big game. Two big clubs fight in one final. It’s different also playing Pirates and Sundowns in a league game. Now it’s a final,” Sales said.
“I prefer to play these games for, you know, a new level.”
Sphelele Mkhulise also believes Sundowns have what it takes to claim the trophy, pointing to the club’s leadership, coaching staff and playing squad as key advantages.
We have the best leadership, we have the best coaches, we have the best players. So we have the advantage,” Mkhulise said.
“I’m always ready, always motivated. I always want to deliver for this beautiful club.”
With Pirates looking to retain the trophy and Sundowns seeking to finally add the MTN8 to their collection, Saturday’s final promises another high-profile chapter in one of South African football’s biggest rivalries.