MTN8 bonuses a big motivation - Lyle Lakay

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Oct 14, 2017. 13:00

Cape Town City winger Lyle Lakay says the prospect of big bonuses for winning the MTN8 final later today will be a big motivation.

City will face SuperSport United in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban this evening, with the first trophy in South Africa’s 2017/18 top flight season up for grabs.

The prize money on offer for the winners is R8million, with at least half of that set to be pocketed by the City players if they prevail.

"Obviously there is going to be bonuses, that's what also motivates us," Lakay told Kick-Off.

"I mean, today's football is all about making money. Besides the fact of winning trophies it is also about making money, that's one of the biggest motivations for teams."

Lakay is no stranger to cup finals, having helped Bloemfontein Celtic win the 2012 Telkom Knockout.

"It's my second one, I've been in the Telkom final with Celtic a few years ago against [Mamelodi] Sundowns. It was also at Moses Mabhida.

“It's a great feeling. Some of the guys in the team were joking about it. Vincent Kobola was like, 'last year you were fighting relegation and now you are in the cup final'.

"Ja, it's a great feeling and I think anyone would feel that way. You've just moved into a new team and after a few months you are playing a final, you can win your first trophy with the team.

“So for me it's a great feeling, not only to be in the final but also to be part of such a great team. It's one big happy family.

“Like you know, I had the option of going to Wits. Coming to City I think I've chosen the right team and made the right choice.

"We are all excited but I still say even though it is a cup final we will still approach the game like any other game.

“Yes, it's a big game and the way we planned might sound different, but it's not different to any other game we look to win. Preparations went well and we are looking forward to the match."

Kick-off in the MTN8 final is set for 19h00 CAT and you can follow live coverage of the match here on AfricanFootball.