Sundowns & Pirates prepare for blockbuster Cup final

General view of the Nedbank Cup trophy

Thursday May 30, 2024. 10:43

As the curtain closes on an exciting 2023/24 season in the Premier Soccer League, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will provide South African football lovers with a parting gift in the upcoming Nedbank Cup final at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

On the back of claiming their 7th league title on the trot, Sundowns could add a third trophy to their cabinet this weekend, after claiming the inaugural African Football League title last year.

Standing in their way of more trophy success is that of Pirates, who had already beaten Sundowns in Cup competition this season. The two South African juggernauts met in the MTN8 final on the 8th of October last year, where the Buccaneers defeated Masandawana 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Reflecting on the fixture at hand, Sundowns veteran Themba Zwane expressed that his side will look to erase the heartache they endured in the MTN8 final by ending the season on a high note.

“This match gives us another opportunity to rectify our mistakes from the previous final,” Zwane said.

“And we are very motivated to play the game. Pirates and Sundowns always an amazing game to watch because of the two teams and the quality players and that’s all I can say.

“As we all know at Sundowns, it is all about making history. It is our culture in the team and it is very important for us to win this trophy because as a team, we just want to finish on a high note.”

Then, over at Pirates, Thalente Mbatha explained that the Soweto giants are fully focused on doing their job this coming weekend.

In rallying his teammates, the midfielder urged his side to remain united in their final game of the campaign.

“We are a family here,” Mbatha said.

“We need each other more in these times because we are playing a Cup final. If we win, talent is not winning, Orlando Pirates wins.

“It’s a competition that is great and healthy, no one is jealous, we go there to do our job. Every one knows what to do, whether they are on the bench or starting eleven.

“We’ll do what the coach tells us to do and I believe that we’ll get the result.”