2026 MTN8 ambassador Vuyo Mere says Orlando Pirates have an edge in the Wafa Wafa final against Mamelodi Sundowns because of their experience in the competition.
Mere’s sentiments come as the two prepare to face off in this season’s final next month. The Buccaneers are campaigning for a fifth MTN8 title in a row while the Brazilians will be looking to clinch the trophy for the first time since 2021.
The former Sundowns defender told iDiski Times journalist Lethabo Kganyago how Pirates’ momentum from the previous campaign of winning a treble is also important for the side in the final.
“I would say Orlando Pirates because of the experience in this tournament and the momentum that they took from last season,” Mere told iDiski Times.
“And obviously, we’re talking about the Betway Premiership champions, and Mamelodi Sundowns are still having to dust themselves off; I think, it’s the past four seasons without winning any domestic [cup] trophy, which is a worrying factor.
“I think it’s still lingering in their minds to say that we haven’t won anything domestically in four seasons, so now we need to improve and do better domestically, because now a lot of people would think that Mamelodi Sundowns focuses on the CAF Champions League and the Club World Cup.
“Now they need to also bring the bragging rights back to their supporters. So, I think this is a good start for them in the MTN8, to put that trophy that has been eluding them for the longest time in their cabinet.”