Sibisi has returned to training after his absence from the squad due to an injury at the start of the season.

The 29-year-old has missed six matches so far this season, only featuring in the first two games of the season.

The Pirates captain will return to the squad when they take on Stellenbosch FC in the final of the MTN8 on Saturday.

“It’s always special to lift a trophy,” Sibisi told his club’s official website.

“Lifting it for the fourth time will be special, not only for the club and the players but for the supporters as well.

“There will be no pressure on me personally – I’ve already won five trophies with the club; this is not about me but about the group.

“Every final is special, and hopefully this one will be memorable for all the players and the club.”

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The Cape Winelands side will battle it out with Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium for the top-eight trophy.

Stellies come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium in the Betway Premiership on 30 August.

Barker says he is excited for the final and is relishing the chance to win the MTN8 trophy as a coach, having previously won it as a player.

“We deserve to be here and have earned the right to be in the final, but it’s up to us now to make the most of this opportunity that has presented itself,” Barker told his club’s official website.

“There’s a lot of anticipation, excitement, and energy among the players.

“A cup final week is always a special week, and it is something that players, coaches, and clubs want to be involved in, competing to win trophies at the highest level.

“Winning trophies is part of any footballer’s dream, and hopefully we can make that come true.

“It’s 30 years since I won the BP Top 8 as a player, and hopefully I can now win it as the MTN8 as a coach as well.”

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Here is an image gallery of Stellenbosch FC’ training session:

The post In Picture: Stellies gear up for MTN8 final showdown appeared first on SportsClub.

Here is an image gallery of Orlando Pirates’ training session:

The post Gallery: Pirates gear up for MTN8 final appeared first on SportsClub.

Saturday marks a monumental day in South African football as the MTN8 final descends upon Mbombela Stadium, with Orlando Pirates poised to make history.

Standing in their way is a determined Stellenbosch FC, a team with a point to prove in this high-stakes rematch of last year’s final.

This isn’t just another cup final; it’s a shot at unprecedented glory. Orlando Pirates are on the cusp of a truly remarkable achievement: winning the MTN8 for the fourth consecutive time.

This would solidify their status as a dynasty and etch their names into the annals of South African football history.

Football fans won’t miss a single moment of the drama, as the game will be streaming live on the Showmax Premier League platform.

Ahead of the game, Showmax chatted to former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and club legend, Brighton Mhlongo, who has predicted that Pirates will go on to win their historic fourth MTN8 title in a row.

“It’s very exciting because Orlando Pirates have become serial cup winners, true cup specialists,” says Mhlongo.”

“When you look at what they’ve done over the past four seasons, it’s something no other team has managed: going for a fourth consecutive MTN8 title. That alone is history and a remarkable achievement for the players, the club, and everyone who supports Pirates.”

Mhlongo believes this is a special group of players who are doing something incredible, especially with the added storyline of a rematch from last year’s final.

“For Stellenbosch, this feels like redemption,” he explains. “Remember, last year’s final was surrounded by controversy over that goal Pirates scored, which led to a lot of debate. Now, the pressure is even bigger on Stellenbosch because they haven’t had the strongest start to the league, they already lost to Pirates this season, and they’ll want to prove that last year wasn’t just about controversy.”

The former shot-stopper knows all about the immense pressure that comes with playing in such a high-stakes match.

“The pressure is massive. First of all, wearing the Pirates badge alone carries weight. You’re not just representing yourself or your family – you’re carrying the hopes of millions of supporters across the country,” he says.

Mhlongo also pointed to the psychological edge Pirates have gained through their recent dominance.

“Over the past five seasons, Pirates have done so well in the MTN8, which has eased some of the pressure and given them bragging rights. Winning early also gives the supporters belief.”

He adds that the pressure is now on the current squad not to give away a trophy the club has become so dominant in.

When asked about the possibility of the game going to penalties, Mhlongo has full confidence in the current Pirates goalkeeper.

“One hundred percent. And I’m not just saying that – history backs it up. Remember the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, when Sipho Chaine saved three of four penalties to win the title? Then again, in this season’s semi-final against Sundowns, he stepped up once more.”

He believes this puts fear and pressure on the opposition, as history has shown that if the game goes to penalties, Pirates have the upper hand.

Mhlongo also weighed in on Pirates’ overall performance this season under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

“It’s been exciting to see how the coach has managed to integrate new players so quickly,” he notes. “Players like Mike Sebelebele have come in and delivered impressive performances. It’s still a long league campaign ahead, but I believe Pirates are doing well and will challenge strongly for the title. I see them going far this season.”

Brighton’s MTN8 final prediction: “I see a repeat of last season’s result, 3–1.”

Issued by Showmax

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The Maroons are set to face the Buccaneers in the final when the two sides meet at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Stellies made their way into the final after clinching a 3-1 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in the two-legged semi-final.

Pirates, meanwhile, secured their place in the final after they claimed a 4-1 win in a penalty shootout against Mamelodi Sundowns after the aggregate score remained 1-1.

“We’re very excited and highly motivated as a club, the technical staff, support staff, and the players,” Barker told his club’s official website.

“It’s not every season that you get into a final, so when you do, you have to take the opportunity.

“Getting into the MTN8 final is not easy. It starts the season before by getting yourself into the top eight in the league, which we did, and then we got past AmaZulu [in the quarter-finals] and a very good Sekhukhune United team to get ourselves into the final.

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The Buccaneers are scheduled to face off against the Maroons when they meet at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Sibisi only featured in the first two games of the season before he was sidelined through injury.

“Preparations for the game are going well,” Sibisi told his club’s official website.

“It’s good to be back training with the players again. It’s been a positive week for us, and we are looking forward to creating history in front of a full Mbombela.

“It’s never easy whenever you are injured. In terms of selection, I am ready for the weekend and credit to Mbokazi for the way he has been leading the team in my absence.

“Kudos to him for what he’s been doing for both the club and the national team. As a group, we embrace competition and will do everything to create history and keep the cup. After all, it is our cup.”

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The Buccaneers will square off against Stellenbosch FC in the final played at the Mbombela Stadium as they fight for the MTN8 title on Saturday.

Pirates made their way into the final after they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 in a penalty shootout after the score remained 1-1 on aggregate.

Stellies, meanwhile, progressed to the final after they secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in the two-legged semi-final.

“We are happy to be back at a stadium that will be packed,” Ouaddou said.

“We want to deliver a performance worthy of our supporters.”

Kick-off between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC is scheduled to start at 18:00.

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The Mbombela Stadium will host the MTN8 final for the first time since 2016 when Bidvest Wits beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 to lift the top-eight trophy.

Orlando Pirates will now take on Stellenbosch FC in final as both sides look to secure the first piece of silverware on offer this season.

The Buccaneers made their way to this stage of the competition after they beat Sundowns 4-1 in a penalty shootout after an aggregate score of 2-2.

Meanwhile, Stellies secured their place in the final following a 3-1 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United over the two-legged semi-final.

The #MTN8 final will be played at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 13 September.

Kick-off for the final will be 18:00. pic.twitter.com/snI9iAc7ii

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) August 27, 2025

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The MTN8 semifinal second leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates is a showdown for the ages, and a man who has worn both the yellow and blue and the black and white has weighed in.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, former midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi says it’s too close to call, but his gut tells him the Brazilians will ultimately progress to the final.

Vilakazi, who recently had an exclusive chat with Showmax Premier League, weighed in on the crucial MTN8 semifinal second leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 23 August, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

“I think they can progress because they have an away goal, which is a massive luxury coming into the second leg,” he says.

“That one goal changes everything and puts so much pressure on Pirates to approach the game differently in all phases.”

When asked about Sundowns’ start to the new campaign – one win and one draw in the Betway Premiership and a draw away from home in the MTN8 – Vilakazi describes it as “fairly okay, but not the greatest of starts.”

He points to a few factors, including the absence of “a couple of players and major big puzzle players, the kind that win games for the team.”

He adds that the break the team had after participating in the Club World Cup might have also had an impact on their momentum.

Reflecting on the first leg, Vilakazi says he was not “completely satisfied” with Sundowns’ performance, “especially the second half.”

“They had so many chances in both halves, but they weren’t ruthless enough,” he explains. “On top of that, their defending was not up to the high standard we know them to be.”

If Sundowns are to overcome their rivals this weekend, Vilakazi believes it will come down to the performances of his list of key players: Arthur Sales, Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews, Ronwen Williams, and Aubrey Modiba or Divine Lunga.

He adds that the midfield combination of Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende will be crucial to their success.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Vilakazi believes that while Sundowns will not “completely dominate” the Betway Premiership this season, their “experience” and strong “personnel” will ensure they remain firm contenders. However, he also notes that “the gap might be getting closed by other teams.”

When asked who their biggest competitors will be for a ninth league title in a row, Vilakazi has a simple answer: “Orlando Pirates.”

As for this weekend’s pivotal match, Vilakazi admits that for the first time in a while, it’s so close to predict who will go through.

“Pirates really ended the first leg so strong,” he says. However, despite that, his final prediction is that Sundowns will “go through” thanks to that precious away goal.

Fans can catch all the action from the MTN8 tournament live on Showmax Premier League.

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