Orlando Pirates have clinched the MTN8 title after a thrilling penalty shootout against Mamelodi Sundowns in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The game ended 0-0 after extra time, with Pirates eventually emerging victorious 3-1 on penalties.
Former Pirates midfielder Jackie “Styles” Ledwaba praised the players’ attitude and the technical team’s strategy for helping the team to victory. He highlighted Kermit Erasmus and Karim Kimvuidi as some of the players who were on top of their game, noting that their fighting spirit and attitude was what made the difference.
Ledwaba said: “You remember I once told you about Karim (Kimvuidi)? Did you see the differences he brought in the midfield? We need a player like that and his attitude of never say die. It was the same with Kermit Erasmus. He fought for every ball that he saw he could fight for. The players’ attitude on the day was on top. That’s what made the difference on the day. That’s why they were confident even going into the penalties. It’s because their fighting spirit and attitude were high. Then the technical team came up with a strategy that no one expected at all. They played with two defending midfielders in Thabiso Monare and Miguel Timm. That also killed Sundowns at their own game. Pirates were just well organised on the day.”
Ledwaba concluded: “Although Sundowns created those few chances it was Pirates whose attitude helped them win the game. They had a winning attitude and didn’t want to lose at all. Kudos to the technical team and the whole team.” The MTN8 title is the first trophy for Orlando Pirates since 2015 and a great way to start the season.
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
