Pyramids FC coach Rulani Mokwena has shared his thoughts on the upcoming MTN8 final between his former sides Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The sides meet in the 2026 Wafa Wafa final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday with Pirates looking to win the cup a record fifth successive time, while this is Sundowns’ first final in the competition in five years.
Speaking during a South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) online press conference on Thursday, Mokwena said the public is in for a good high-quality technical game between well coached sides.
He however said he couldn’t predict who is likely to win as he has soft sports for both clubs and will be happy anyway for the eventual winner.
“I’m excited for the final I think it will be a good game,” said Mokwena.
“It is two very, very good teams, and of course, who lead the pinnacle of South African football. So, I think we will see a very good final. I’m looking forward to it for sure, and I think the public will be exposed to a very high-level game technically.
“You know, there’s absolutely no reason to expect this and this you see even the national team is dominated by both teams because that’s where they say always that the cream always rises to the top. And it’s by no chance that you have so many players from Sundowns and so many players from Pirates.
“And I’m a big Mamelodi Sundowns fan too. You know, I love the club. I’m very grateful to what the club and Dr. Patrice [Motsepe] and the chairman Tlhopie [Motsepe] have done to help me to be the coach that I am, to help me to have the profile of the CV that I have it’s got a lot to do with Sundowns.
“So there’s a very soft spot that I have for the club and I would always wish Mamelodi Sundowns the best, and but also I always wish Orlando Pirates the best.
“It’s very difficult for me to decide who I think will win, but I will be very happy at the end for sure. At the end of the game, I’ll be very happy because if Sundowns win, I will be very, very happy. If Orlando Pirates win, I will be very, very happy too.”
“So, I wish both teams, both football clubs, everything of the best. The only time I don’t want Pirates or Sundowns to win is when I’m sitting and I’m competing on the opposite bench. That’s the only time.”