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
— DISKI GALORE (@Diskigalore) October 7, 2023
