Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales is relishing the opportunity to feature in his first MTN8 final – after returning from a tough spell on the sidelines – when the Brazilians face Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The highly-anticipated final gets underway at 18h00, with Pirates looking to make history by winning the MTN8 for a fifth consecutive year.
For Sales, however, the occasion represents another important milestone after a difficult period on the sidelines.
The Brazilian endured a lengthy injury layoff that required two surgeries, but has now returned to action and is eager to contribute as Sundowns chase another trophy.
“It was a very difficult time for me, because I did two surgeries. It’s very difficult for any player to come back from injury, so now I’m very happy to be on the pitch, to help my teammates,” Sales said.
“Now we come back in a very important game and I’m happy to be on the pitch now.”
The 24-year-old’s return adds another attacking option for Miguel Cardoso ahead of what promises to be a tightly-contested final.
Sundowns and Pirates have both assembled squads packed with attacking quality, meaning Sales believes the smallest details could ultimately decide who lifts the trophy.
“I think this is about the big clubs. Any mistake, you can concede goals or score goals, so you need attention, concentration,” he said.
“Our attack is very different profiles. When Nuno doesn’t happen [score], Skwishi is performing. When Tassie is not performing, Antonio [van Wyk] is. So this is how I think.”
‘We proved ourselves in many big games’
While Pirates arrive with significant MTN8 pedigree and the opportunity to claim an unprecedented fifth straight title, Sales insists Sundowns are not intimidated by the occasion.
Having only recently returned from injury, the final will also be Sales’ first experience of an MTN8 decider.
“I was not here three years ago, this is my first MTN8 final, so it’s a new thing to me, a new challenge,” he said.
“But I think now we have proved ourselves in many big games, so we’re ready to play at the highest level possible.”
With two of the country’s biggest clubs going head-to-head, Sales expects the final to be decided by concentration and the ability to avoid costly errors.
“When you play on this high level, these little mistakes can be crucial,” he explained.
“When the level of the game goes up, you need concentration and take care of the details.”