Orlando Pirates overturned a one-goal deficit to thrash Stellenbosch FC 3-1 to be crowned MTN8 champions at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
The result sees the Buccaneers clinch a record-breaking third straight MTN8 title history and a fourth in five years.
PIRATES SNATCH DRAMATIC LATE WIN OVER STELLENBOSCH
Stellenbosch FC made the better start and opened the scoring in the 13th minute of the encounter when Lehlogonolo Mojela bagged wonder-goal.
But that was to be their first and last goal. Orlando Pirates equalised through Monnapule Saleng on the stroke of half-time.
The second half was closely fought, but neither side managed to breach the other’s stubborn defence. That was until the first minute of stoppage time, when Tshegofatso Mabasa found the back of the net to put Pirates ahead for the first time in the game.
And the Bucs then sealed off a dramatic finale when Relebohile Mofokeng bamboozled the Stellenbosch defence to make it three goals and ultimately three MTN 8 titles in a row.
TEAMS
Orlando Pirates — Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Monyane, Maela, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Saleng, Hotto, Makgopa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Mofokeng, Nkota, Rasebotja, Mako, Kimvuidi, Mabasa, Dlamini, Gilberto.
Stellenbosch FC — Stephens, Moloisane, Basadien, Mcaba, Toure, Titus, Adams, Ntuli, Mojela, De Jong, Jabaar.
Subs: Masuluke, Jurgens, Mdaka, Palace, Butsaka, Onyango, Phili, Cupido, Barns.
UPDATED MTN8 HISTORY
- The MTN8 – as we know the cup competition today – was first contested back in 1972.
- It features the top eight finishers from the previous season’s Betway Premiership with the champions facing the eighth-placed team, the runners-up taking on the seventh-placed side – and so on.
- Cellular giants MTN have sponsored the event since 2008.
- Prior to that (from 1972 to 2002) it was known as BP Top Eight Cup (sponsored by BP) and the SAA Super Eight Cup from 2003 to 2007 (sponsored by South African Airways).
- This year’s tournament was the 50th edition.
- So who has tasted the most success the previous 49 times the competition was held?
- No surprise to learn that Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs lead the way with 15 titles, followed by their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates with 12.
DID YOU ENJOY THE MTN 8 FINAL?
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