Orlando Pirates have made history after winning the MTN8 title for a third straight year after coming from behind to defeat Stellenbosch 3-1.
MTN8 Final
Result: Orlando Pirates 3-1 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 05 October 2024
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Pirates made four changes from their narrow win over Richards Bay, as Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng dropped to the bench and were replaced by Monnapule Saleng and Evidence Makgopa, alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thabiso Monyane.
Stellies, on the other hand, recalled goalkeeper Sage Stephens, Ibraheem Jabaar and Jayden Adams, as three changes after a draw against Polokwane City.
Steve Barker's charges had a perfect start after Lehlohonolo Mojela fired them ahead with only 12 minutes on the clock with an acrobatic volley in the box after a cross towards the box.
The Buccaneers were fired up to get back into the game and just before the half-hour mark, Patrick Maswanganyi had a big chance at the back post but his shot was repelled by Stephens.
Stellies were not sitting back and they had a chance a few minutes later after Jabaar almost doubled their lead with a low shot that was saved by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
From a set-piece just before the interval, Jose Riveiro's men were eventually level after Saleng pounced on a rebound in the box with a clinical shot after Stephens could not hold onto a free-kick by Deon Hotto.
The Soweto giants almost had a perfect start in the second stanza after Hotto had a shot that was deflected to the post by Stephens from a free-kick situation.
The Spanish mentor, with the game on the edge just after the hour-mark, made attacking and tactical changes as Mofokeng and Mabasa replaced Innocent Maela and Makgopa.
Pirates got back on the front foot and Mofokeng had a big chance with 21 minutes to go after he went clear on goal but was denied by Stephens in a one-on-one.
The match stretched from end to end and with ten minutes to go, Devin Titus had a good chance for the Cape Winelands side after going through on goal on an overlap but he fired his shot over and wide.
The game slowed down in the dying minutes and after a lapse in concentration from Stellies, the Buccaneers were switched on with a quick free-kick, as Mabasa struck home the winner after a through ball by Mofokeng.
Barker's men committed numbers and were caught in added time after Mofokeng made it 3-1 with tap-in after rounding Stephens and the last defender in the box following a through ball by Mabasa.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 36. Sesane, 5. Sibisi, 2. Monyane, 23. Maela, 8. Makhaula, 16. Mbatha, 28. Maswanganyi, 14. Saleng, 7. Hotto, 17. Makgopa
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 38. Mofokeng, 33. Nkota, 31. Rasebotja, 29. Mako, 25. Kimvuidi, 19. Mabasa, 18. Dlamini, 11. Gilberto
Stellenbosch: 17. Stephens, 24. Moloisane, 21. Basadien, 26. Mcaba, 45. Toure, 34. Titus, 23. Adams, 8. Nduli, 10. Mojela, 18. De Jong, 27. Jabaar
Subs: 30. Masuluke, 6. Jurgens, 3. Mdaka, 28. Palace, 15. Butsaka, 2. Onyango, 11. Phili, 9. Cupido, 20. Barns.
