Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have announced strong starting XIs for the highly anticipated MTN8 final clash at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban this afternoon.
Pirates play their third successive MTN8 final but come up against a Stellies outfit who have of late enjoyed positive results at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue.
The Buccaneers have been involved in the last two MTN8 finals, in 2022 they beat AmaZulu FC 1-0 and followed that up beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 via penalties last season.
En-route to this season’s final, Pirates dispatched SuperSport United 3-1 after extra-time and then Cape Town City 3-1 on aggregate.
Stellenbosch on the other hand will play only their second cup final in the club’s history after clinching the Carling Knockout Cup last season.
They eliminated TS Galaxy with an impressive 3-1 scoreline before keeping Mamelodi Sundowns at bay in a 2-0 two-legged tie as they sealed their final berth.
Despite being the underdogs, Stellies have a better record in the last four ties between the two clubs, with the Cape Winelands outfit coming out victorious three times with Pirates managing just a single win.
Here is how they line up:
Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, Monyane, Sibisi, Sesane, Maela, Makhaula, Mbatha, Hotto, Maswanganyi, Saleng, Makgopa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Mofokeng, Nkota, Rasebotja, Mako, Kimvuidi, Mabasa, Dlamini, Gilberto.
Stellenbosch XI: Stephens, Moloisane, Toure, Mcaba, Basadien, Nduli, Adams, Jabaar, Titis, de Jong, Mojela.
Subs: Masuluke, Jurgens, Mdaka, Palace, Butsaka, Onyango, Phili, Cupudio, Barns.