Orlando Pirates (1) 3
Saleng 45’ Mabasa 92’ Mofokeng 95’
Stellenbosch FC (1)1
Mojela 14’
Orlando Pirates claimed the 2024 MTN8 Cup by beating Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Two goals in stoppage time by second half substitutes Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng proved decisive as the Buccaneers won a historic third MTN8 title in a row, the first South African side to achieve such a feat.
The Sea Robbers also added a 13th medal of this competition in its different formats as they came from a goal down to blow away a defiant Stellies outfit.
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker was left in dispair after seeing his side come close to claiming a second major trophy in two seasons.
To the shock of the 55 000 spectators present, it was the underdogs Stellies that landed the first blow through their in-form man Lehlohonolo Mojela in the 14th minute.
Pirates fell asleep during a long throw-in delivered into the box which was flicked on by Andre De Jong and his strike partner Mojela responded perfectly in the centre of the goal with an acrobatic finish that left stunned the defending champions.
It was only at the stroke of half-time that the Sea Robbers responded through their main man Monnapule Saleng who reacted the quickest to tap home after Sage Stephens had palmed out a Deon Hotto free-kick.
Tensions were at an all-time high under perfect football conditions in Durban as the two teams resumed their chase for glory and the first piece of silverware of the season.
For Pirates lay an opportunity to further their reputation as the country’s domineering agent in cup competitions as head coach Jose Riveiro went for his third Wafa Wafa title at the third time of asking.
For eight year old Stellenbosch, a chance to slay yet another giant carried their adrenaline along with hopes of capturing a second cup in the club’s history.
A few surprises popped up in the Pirates starting 11 with captain Maela slotting in at left back position while defender Olisah Ndah failed his late medical test and missed out entirely.
Stellies head coach Steve Barker opted for his tried and tested as he fielded the same team that did the business against Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final second leg.
Although Pirates controlled the possession in the match, it was Stellenbosch who looked more dangerous whenever they set out to attack in the first stanza.
The front trio of De Jong, Mojela and Devin Titus terrorised the Pirates defence with their forward running while midfield maestro Jayden Adams pulled the string in a deep playmaking role.
While Stellies seemed to be enjoying themselves, it was a slow start for the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Evidence Makgopa in the Pirates attack which meant they only found their goal through a set-piece.
Riveiro’s men returned with renewed invigor in the second half and almost immediately took the lead as Hotto crashed an effort off the post just two minutes into the second stanza.
In the end Pirates showed their cup mentality and tenacity and fought back from a goal down to claim the title.