Former Orlando Pirates defender Mark Fish says winning the MTN8 final on Saturday night could give the Buccaneers the springboard they require to challenge for the Betway Premiership title this season.
Pirates are unbeaten in all competitions in the new campaign, and are enjoying a 100% record in the league after three matches. They face Stellenbosch FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, when the first piece of silverware in the South African season will be up for grabs.
The Buccaneers sit second in the Premiership standings, level on points with leaders and defending Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s been 12 years since Pirates won the league, but supporters such as Fish believe this could be their season.
Sundowns are going to be tough to unseat, though, having won the last seven league titles. They finished 13 points ahead of second-placed Pirates last season and have the squad to again compete on all fronts.
However, Fish believes that the MTN8 title could give Pirates the belief that they can challenge this season.
“Winning their first trophy of the season would provide Pirates with a major stepping stone,” Fish told Showmax this week.
“We all know what Pirates’ biggest problem is ... that is consistency. They perform well when it comes to one-off games. But hopefully if they win on Saturday, they will use the momentum to push them on for the rest of the season.
“As Pirates fans, we expect our team to push for the Betway Premiership this season. We expect them to give Mamelodi Sundowns a much harder time than the past few seasons.”
But Fish knows Pirates aren’t just going to rock up in Durban and take the cup back to Orlando without Stellenbosch putting up a fight.
The Winelands side have produced a mixed bag in the first three matches in league this season, but they have been great in the MTN8, dispatching of Sundowns in the semi-finals. They have also managed to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. So, underestimate Steve Barker’s team at your peril.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says they are looking forward to playing the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates in familiar surroundings.
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“Stellenbosch FC are a very exciting team, a team that I truly admire. What they are doing at the club is remarkable, and so it won’t be an easy game for Pirates, that’s for sure,” the former Bafana Bafana defender said.
“The club play phenomenal football, their structure is great and they have set the standard in the PSL.
“The two clubs probably play a similar style of football. So it will be a very exciting final with lots of opportunities.
“Stellenbosch will give Pirates a very good game. Steve Barker plays exciting football, so I am expecting a thrilling game.”
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