Orlando Pirates win the MTN8 trophy foever
Orlando Pirates defeated AmaZulu 1-0 on Saturday night in front of 52,248 spectators at the Moses Mabhida Stadium to win the MTN8 championship for a record fourth time.
The Buccaneers became the most successful club in the league (fourth trophies) since the telecommunications took over in 2008. The win was due to Monnapule Saleng’s goal in the first half.
The PSL and MTN had decided beforehand that if they won as the record-time winners, it means they will continue to hold the trophy forever. In the upcoming season, MTN8 stated that they will have a brand-new trophy, which is in part why Pirates will keep it forever. However, if AmaZulu had won, they would have kept it for the customary one season.
Pirates add this cup having claimed it in the 2010/11, 2011/12, and 2020/21 seasons.
On the other hand, AmaZulu were seeking their first trophy in the PSL and also in 30 years, with their last time coming in 1992.
Pirates, on the other hand, got off to the worst possible start in this match when Nkosinathi Sibisi was substituted after colliding with Gabadinho Mhango in the opening minutes. The former Golden Arrows defender had signaled to his bench to be substituted.
Paseka Mako came in to take his position. Innocent Maela, the Pirates’ captain, and Goodman Mosele were already absent due to injuries.
In the Soweto Derby defeat to Kaizer Chiefs last Saturday, these two were removed from the game early.
But Pirates showed better impetus as Saleng sent a warning, heading in the 17th minute.
Saleng, who defeated Mamelodi Sundowns with two goals in the semifinal, however, curled a beautiful free kick past Mothwa in the 25th minute from an acute angle.
Soon after, Usuthu had an injury of their own as Ramahlwe Mphahlele was substituted for Mbongeni Gumede in the 32nd minute due to what appeared to be a foot injury.
After taking the lead and taking control of the situation as the game became a stop-start affair, Pirates appeared to have benefited greatly from their goal.
Just before halftime, George Maluleka, who assisted when Kaizer Chiefs defeated Pirates in the final in the 2014–15 season at the same location, finally put Ofori to the test with a sinking free kick.
In the 55th minute, Usuthu again warned Pirates, but Lehlohonolo Majoro was unlucky to have his header hit the crossbar. As Usuthu got close to scoring, the former Pirates striker was left holding his face in pain.
Over 50,000 people watched the game, although it lacked the excitement of the championship. However, the Pirates will be content to bring home a victory.
This means Jose Riveiro becomes the first Pirates coach to win this cup in his first season since Julio Leal did so in his first season in the 2011/12 season.
Also read: MTN8 will intruduce a new trophy