Orlando Pirates to face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium
Orlando Pirates' Sihle Nduli and Evidence Makgopa fights for the ball with Stellenbosch FC's Thembile Butsaka during their Betway Premiership clash as they players are set for a Mbombela Stadium MTN8 final showdown. Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Mbombela Stadium will host the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch on Saturday, September 13, at 6pm, the PSL confirmed on Wednesday at noon.
Mbombela has become synonymous with hosting finals, as Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns there in the 2024 Nedbank Cup showdown. In fact, the venue has been a good hunting ground for Pirates in cup competitions, having also won the 2011 Ke Yona Cup at the same stadium.
Pirates will head into this showdown against Stellies high on confidence, as they are the defending champions after winning three trophies last season. They’ll also be buoyed by the fact that they beat Stellies 3-1 in regulation time in last season’s final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, under coach Jose Riveiro.
A lot has changed since that blockbuster clash: Pirates are now coached by Abdeslam Ouaddou, while Stellies have lost some of their key players. Still, the desire to succeed in the final remains strong for both teams — Ouaddou wants to stamp his authority at the club, while Barker aims to make up for lost ground.
Pirates will also head into the clash — which will come immediately after the FIFA break — with the advantage of being the designated home team on matchday. This means they’ll get first preference when it comes to kit colours, change rooms, and dugouts.
The Ghost are expected to dominate the stands and spur their team on to a record-extending fourth successive MTN8 crown.