Stellenbosch FC, popularly known as the Maroons, carried the hopes of many as the last trusted team that could potentially end Orlando Pirates’ dominance in the MTN8 Cup. But despite their fight, the Soweto giants once again proved unshakable.
The final, played on Saturday evening at Mbombela Stadium, started on a high note as both sides fielded their strongest lineups fresh from the international break. Each team showed hunger and determination to lift the first silverware of the season.
The Buccaneers have made the MTN8 their fortress since 2022, and winning this year’s edition marked their fourth consecutive triumph in the competition. It was also the second time they beat Stellenbosch in an MTN8 final, having secured a 3-1 victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium last season.
Both sides went into halftime locked at 0-0, leaving coaches Steve Barker and Abdeslam Ouaddou to rethink their strategies. The second half promised goals, but despite tactical changes, neither side could break the deadlock in regulation time. The final was tightly contested, showcasing entertaining, attacking football that lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling MTN8 finals in recent memory.
Extra-time, however, told a different story. Just two minutes in, substitute Oswin Appollis delivered a precise cross that found Tshepang Moremi, who coolly slotted home to give Pirates the lead. Eight minutes later, Moremi turned provider, crossing for Tshegofatso Mabasa to double the advantage. With momentum firmly on their side, Appollis and Moremi combined again in the 110th minute – Appollis threading a defender-splitting pass for Moremi to grab his brace and seal a 3-0 victory.
In the end, it was Pirates’ bench that decided the final. Before extra time, Stellenbosch midfielder Mthetheli Mthiyane had been widely tipped for Man of the Match, but Moremi’s two goals and one assist left no doubt about his deserved recognition. His performance embodied the timeless phrase: “the game is not over until the final whistle.”
The triumph marked Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s first trophy in South Africa. Reflecting on his tactical changes, the Moroccan said:
“We had to go to extra time and completely changed the plan. We brought pace on the wings to find space and deliver crosses. Mabasa is not the type to press like Makgopa – he needs service. With Moremi and Appollis, the plan worked, and we got the win.”
Ouaddou’s victory comes after a rocky start to the season that saw him heavily criticized by Pirates fans following back-to-back league losses. Many accused him of “fixing what wasn’t broken.” But on Saturday, he silenced his critics with bold substitutions that turned the tide.
“Maybe I’m still a plumber or carpenter to many people,” he said with a smile. “But making good substitutions has made me a better coach than I was two months ago. I have huge respect for Steve Barker and Stellenbosch – they are a stable, professional club. We are just happy to win this trophy.”
