On Saturday, Orlando Pirates secured their third straight MTN8 title, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalties at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
This marks the fifth time Pirates have won the competition since MTN became the sponsors, with Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United following behind on two titles each.
After the final, Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus refrained from comparing the Buccaneers to his former club Sundowns, saying that the Soweto giants are closer to where they want to be as a team. “We are not far from where we want to be as a team.
We don’t like to compare ourselves to other teams, but we all know Orlando Pirates is a big team. I am sure a lot of guys wrote us off before the game, but we are sitting here today as champions. It just shows you that with the desire and hunger that we try to show, we’ve got to give everything,” Erasmus said.
“The last game’s results won’t guarantee you winning the next game. Every game is a new opportunity to prove yourself and that’s what we are trying to do as a team, to be consistent and just prove ourselves every game.” Erasmus secured a third straight MTN8 final title, two with Pirates and one with his former side Sundowns.
When asked about his achievement, he said: “Obviously three finals…finals are not guaranteed. But giving your best is guaranteed and that’s all I try to do leading up to any game. I am happy that I am part of a winning team again and for guys who won for the first time to know what it feels like to win things and hopefully it can motivate them to continue working hard.”
ORLANDO PIRATES ARE THE MTN 8 CHAMPIONS UP THE BUCS ONCE & ALWAYS ☠️☠️
Rhulani Penalty Erasmus MTN8FINAL Chaine Sundowns rugbyworldcup2023 Mendieta OrlandoPirates Senzo Meyiwa Saleng pic.twitter.com/QmEc4ym7jQ
— NICK. (@ltsNlCK) October 7, 2023
