‘Pirates will lose 3-1 in the final’ – Sundowns legend

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will face each other in the MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.

This will be the first time the two teams play each other this season.

Former Sundowns defender Vuyo Mere expects an open, high-scoring game with plenty of attacking football from both teams. The retired right-back has backed his former team to win 3-1.

“I have played for Mamelodi Sundowns, and it’s good to see the team doing well,” Mere told IOL Sport.

Sundowns and Pirates to face off

“But the only worrying factor is that they are conceding a lot of goals, and that’s something that we are not used to.

“They are a quality team that sets the standard high. So, when such things happen we think that they’ve lost form. Yes, they concede goals, but they outscore the team they are playing against.”

Pirates won’t be easy customers for Sundowns. While they might be relatively youthful and have a largely new-look squad, including Mpho Padime, Thapelo Mkobodi, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, they have a potent attack as well.”

Pirates come into the match as favourites having beaten Masandawana in the previous cup finals. Their previous meeting saw the Brazilians take a 2-1 win at the FNB Stadium earlier this year.

“I think it’s a worrying factor when you look at the team that they are playing against: Orlando Pirates, who have a lethal team,” the Mamelodi Sundowns legend said.