The day has finally come, and the stage is set for the much-anticipated Nedbank Cup final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday.
The game will start at 3pm.
The stakes will be at an all time high in what will be a gladiatorial clash between two giants of South African football.
Pirates desperate to defend their crown
Sundowns will be looking to end their Nedbank Cup drought. While Pirates will be desperate to defend their crown against the DStv Premiership champions.
Having already successfully defended the MTN8 last year, Pirates coach Jose Riverio said the mandate is clear. It is to end their season with another piece of silverware.
“It’s a very special occasion for every football fan in the country and the continent. I am sure,” Riveiro said ahead of the mouthwatering clash.
“We want to make sure that we offer a good show for the people. It’s going to be a very important day in the season’s calendar.
“Like I said for every football fan in the country, so we want to be at a level that a game like this requires.”
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena shared the same sentiments for his team. He said the aim is to end the season on a high. This after the disappointing 1-0 loss to Cape Town City last week. It was a defeat that deprived them of an opportunity to make history of winning the league unbeaten.
Sundowns looking to end drought
“There is no other time than now [to play the final]. You’ve got to play because you got yourself into this position. And the most important thing for us is to play the final,” Mokwena said.
“So, I don’t think there is a much better time after the Cape Town City loss. We have got to play, do what we have to do and get the job done.
“It’s a come final and a completely different competition. So we just have to make sure we win the trophy and finish the season on a high. That is what this group deserves, and I hope we can do that on Saturday.”
Pirates’ road to the final:
Last 32 v Crystal Lake 6-0
Last 16 v Hungry Lions 4-0
Quarterfinal v AmaZulu 4-2
Semifinal v Chippa United 3-1
Sundowns road to the final:
Last 32 v La Masia 6-1
Last 16 v Maritzburg United 2-0
Quarterfinal v University of Pretoria 4-3 (penalties)
Semifinal v Stellenbosch FC 2-1
