The MTN 8 is a staple of South African football and the effects it has had in its many forms over the years is testament to its longevity and necessity. It’s a tournament that’s rich in history and is littered with memorable moments, skilful legends passionate fans and top quality football.
The 2022 MTN8 edition has come and gone, and Orlando Pirates FC managed to cement their place in the annals of history by securing their 4th title. Because of that historical feat, MTN decided to let the Buccaneers keep the trophy. This means that this famous tournament will be unveiling a brand-new trophy for the 2023 edition. But that’s still a whole year from now, so let’s stay in the here and now and focus on the great final that was.
A crowning achievement
In the week leading up to the decider the AmaZulu nation was in high spirits as they had just coronated their new king, who happened to also grace the final as it was hosted in the same place he was crowned, the picturesque Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Alas, the good vibes did not translate into a victory for the football club. The last time AmaZulu FC was in the top eight final was 46 years ago when they were well-beaten 8-2 on aggregate by Kaizer Chiefs, and this trend was, unfortunately, not about to change.
Both clubs put out very competitive teams for the finale.
Orlando Pirates XI:
Hotto, Sibisi, Erasmus, Ndah, Xoki, Timm, Motshwari, Monyane, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Ofori.
Subs: Mpontshane, Pule, Nga, Mako, Shandu, Lepasa, Dlamini, Makgopa, Makgaka.
AmaZulu XI:
Mothwa, Mphahlele, Mobara, Hanamub, Maluleka, Bwalya, Maduna, Kwem, Mhango, Sikhakhane, Makhaula.
Subs: Ndlovu, Buchanan, Gumede, Malepe, Brooks, Zuma, Mabiliso, Majoro, Amonome.
Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu’s MTN8 final match-up was the last match on the Premier Soccer League schedule before a month-long break to make way for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which as we all know Bafana Bafana did not qualify for. But we’re not here to speak about that, we are here to speak about the MTN 8 Final, which was as eventful as we’d hoped for and full of action.
It's Wafa Wafa winner takes all!
In cup football there must always be a winner and a loser, and the victor this time around was the Mighty Buccaneers, however, it was a difficult journey for both Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC to get to the final of the MTN8, both clubs having gone through some difficult clashes. Pirates had to meet defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, while AmaZulu had to go up against a Chiefs side hell bent on a trophy.
Moses Mabhida was packed to the rafters and the scene was set for what would eventually be a tactical masterclass from Pirates. They managed to win the game 1-0 with a magnificent free kick from the on-form Saleng. He is really proving himself with every passing minute and the future looks bright for this young man. It’s really unfortunate that the international break came at a time when he’s starting to flourish and show the country what he’s all about. Let’s just hope, for Pirates’ and his own sake that he does not lose the momentum.
Pirates were appearing in their second MTN8 final in three years, after defeating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in the 2020 decider. On that occasion, they came from behind and won thanks to goals from Deon Hotto and Thembinkosi Lorch. It’s hard to believe that the Buccaneers have been to 16 finals in the top eight competition in all, winning 10 of those. This is an impressive stat that shows the club’s cup pedigree over the years. With that being said this will be Pirates’ sixth final since MTN took over sponsorship of the competition in 2008. I’m sure their old Soweto rivals from Phefeni won’t want to hear this, but no team has been to more finals in that time than the Bucs. They have won three times (2010, 2011, 2020) and suffered only two defeats (2013, 2014) in the previous five.
Both the men at the helm of the two clubs, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and AmaZulu tactician Romain Folz, were aiming to claim a first piece of silverware in South African football. They both recently joined their respective clubs this season and this was the perfect opportunity for them to raise their stock in South African football.
Only one team rose to the challenge and showed their pedigree and that was the mighty Sea Robbers, Orlando Pirates.
Head-to-Head between the two giants
The Soweto-based club went into this encounter with relative confidence considering their excellent head-to-head record against AmaZulu. The Sea Robbers have yet to lose to AmaZulu since 2013, which is a staggering unbeaten streak of 16 games.
As far as cup meetings between the League’s two oldest clubs go, those have been a rare occurrence over the years, with a total of only five played over the past 37 years!
1990: Bob Save semi-finals - AmaZulu 1-0 Pirates
1992: Bob Save first round - Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu
1994: BP Top 8 third place - AmaZulu 1-2 Pirates
2018/19: Telkom Knockout quarterfinals - AmaZulu 1-3 Pirates
2021/22: Nedbank Cup Last 32 - Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu
How have these two sides performed against each other in recent times? Well, it was a stalemate when the two sides met in the league a short while ago, a result that saw Pirates stretch their unbeaten run in this particular encounter.
Pirates were victorious the last time these two sides met in a cup game, with a second-half goal from Deon Hotto ensuring that they advanced in the Nedbank Cup back in February.
Meanwhile their last meeting in Top-Eight football came in 1994, where the Buccaneers came out 2-1 victors on the day.
And now, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu met in the MTN8 for the first time in 28 years and in the first cup final in 48 years.
But records don’t lie and it has been 32 years since AmaZulu last won this trophy against Pirates when Owen Nzimande scored the only goal in the Bob Save semi-finals. And the record still stand, and has been extended, with the latest show of force that saw the Buc’s overpower AmaZulu and record their latest win and get their hands on that coveted trophy – and this time they’ll keep it forever.