MTN 8 Final Preview: Sundowns to End MTN 8 Drought.

Since their revival began under Pitso Mosimane nine years ago, Mamelodi Sundowns have conquered almost every obstacle in their path. Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena will now be out to finish the job and pick up the one piece of silverware that proved elusive throughout Mosimane’s tenure, the MTN8.

On paper, Sundowns have a golden opportunity. They are flying high in the DStv Premiership with 19 points from seven games, putting them firmly in pole position for a fifth successive league title. Furthermore, they recently qualified for the group stages of the CAF Champions League with a 4-2 aggregate win over Maniema Union.

For Saturday’s final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Sundowns are up against a Cape Town City side that continues to blow hot and cold. They currently lie 11th in the league with nine points from seven games.

Eric Tinkler has plenty of injury woes on his hands. As per Soccer Laduma, Thami Mkhize, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Terrence Mashego, Douglas Mapfumo, and Patrick Fischer are doubtful, as is Darren Keet, who has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, City was at their brilliant best for much of their 4-3 win over Golden Arrows in their last game. In the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Swallows FC, they were even more convincing, sweeping the Dube Birds aside 4-0.

Cape Town City is a cup specialist, having won the 2016 Telkom Knockout under Eric Tinkler in their first season after John Comitis bought Mpumalanga Black Aces. Under successor Benni McCarthy, they reached the 2017 MTN8 final, losing to Tinkler’s SuperSport United. The following year, they went one better and picked up the prize, beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals en route.

City is therefore not a team to be taken lightly, but Sundowns are a professional outfit with strength in depth and players fighting tooth and nail for their places. Furthermore, they will be hungry to succeed, having last won the MTN8 during the SAA Supa8 days back in 2007.

Expect both teams to go looking for goals in this one rather than sitting back, but Sundowns are the likely winners.

Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Cape Town City

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.