Orlando Pirates chase historic fourth straight MTN8 crown against Stellenbosch

History beckons for Orlando Pirates, who could become the only team to win the country’s Top 8 competition four times in succession. They will face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night (6pm kick-off).

The Pirates made history last season when they beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in the final to win a record-extending third straight title.

While the clash in Mbombela is an opportunity to set new records, it's also a fresh start for Pirates' new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou. The match will be his first cup final with the club, assuming he has recovered from a nasty injury sustained after their 3-0 win over Chippa United last Sunday.

Ouaddou’s arrival at Pirates was met with mixed reactions. Some believed he was the right person to succeed Riveiro—who won five trophies in three seasons — while others argued that his underwhelming track record made him unfit to coach a club of Pirates' stature.

The critics initially seemed to be right, as the Moroccan lost his first two games in the Betway Premiership. But since that loss to his former club, Marumo Gallants, Ouaddou has been slowly turning things around. He has since won three league games and drawn two in the MTN8.

The two-legged semi-final draws against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns were a minor setback, as the Pirates still advanced to the final after showing great composure during the penalty shootout.

Heading into the showdown, Pirates will need to build on their momentum, as Stellies will be seeking revenge for both last season's final and their recent league defeat. They are also eager to win the first trophy of the season.

Ouaddou has complained about having a bloated squad, but he is doing his best to give everyone equal attention at training. Perhaps this depth will be a silver lining heading into Saturday’s clash in Nelspruit.

A number of Pirates' regular players are away on national duty, including Bafana Bafana stars Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Chaine, and Relebohile Mofokeng.

All of these players—except for goalkeeper Chaine—are expected to play when Bafana face Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night. While most fans will be rooting for a Bafana victory, Ouaddou will be hoping they return to camp without any injuries.

The 46-year-old is already concerned about the fitness of his senior players. Patrick Maswanganyi also missed the Bafana camp after sustaining an injury during their 3-0 win over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha last week.

Maswanganyi’s injury adds to an already busy medical room, which includes key players like captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, defender Thabiso Sesane, and midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula. All of these players were instrumental in the team’s MTN8 triumph last season.

However, Ouaddou can’t afford to dwell on things beyond his control. He must use the depth at his disposal to win the MTN8. After all, a victory would not only earn him his first major trophy at the club but also be a historic moment for the team.