Mosimane explained why 'Bafana Bafana' players protected 'Pirates' and 'Sundowns' players before the MTN8 final

Vuyo Mere expressed concern over the defense of Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. Despite Sundowns having a deeper squad than Pirates, the club legend is worried about the team's tendency to concede goals.

MTN8 Final

Sundowns will return to the MTN8 competition for the first time since losing to Pirates in 2023 on penalties. Formally, they are considered favorites due to their deep squad, which includes a strong attacking line featuring Bryan Leon, Cassius Mailula, and Antonio van Wyk.

However, despite the large number of goals scored by the attacking unit, Sundowns concede too many goals, making a clean victory difficult. Furthermore, the team has reached the second round of the FIFA Continental Cup and holds leading positions in the Betway Premiership table.

Mere exclusively informed IOL Sport before the match, which will take place at the full Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday evening. He noted that while it is good to see the team in good form, the only worrying aspect is the high number of goals conceded, something the team is not accustomed to.

He added that Sundowns is a quality team setting a high standard, so such incidents might indicate a dip in form. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the team scores more than its opponents.

Pirates will not be an easy target for Sundowns. Although their squad may be relatively young and have a new look, including Mpho Pabidime, Tapelo Mkokobodi, and Mtheteleli Mtyane, they also possess a strong attack. Therefore, Mere warned that if Sundowns do not strengthen their defense from the start, Pirates could punish them.

Mere stated that this is a cause for concern given that they are playing against the 'lethal' Orlando Pirates. He believes the team needs to work on its defense, although he knows they performed well against teams like Al Ahli (in the Africa and Asia Cups). Even conceding goals, they managed to score and win. He expressed hope that this will restore confidence in the team.

In the final, Sundowns may play without left-back Aubrey Modiba and midfielder Tebogo Mokokeng, who recently sustained injuries while participating with the Bafana Bafana national team, which will exacerbate defensive problems.

Nevertheless, since Sundowns' first appearance in the tournament was after rebranding in 2008, when they lost to Kaiser Chiefs in the final, now is the perfect time for the team to activate and defeat Pirates in Durban.

The Orlando Pirates team, possessing a relatively young squad and a new look, intends to play without fear, with responsibility, and determination when facing the fully formed Mamelodi Sundowns team in the MTN8 final, which will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening at 18:00.

Pirates are on track to win an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title. However, they need to achieve this with a squad that is still in the process of integrating after several departures of key players and injuries in recent months.

The heart of the team was refreshed from the start with the signing of Tapelo Mokobodi and Mtheteleli Mthiyani from Stellenbosch, who filled the gaps left by the injuries of Talente Mbati and Sichle Nduli.

In attack, young players Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela have shown potential, but coach Abdeslam Waddu expressed disappointment with their showy performances, especially when opportunities arise to secure a victory.

Preparation for the clash with Sundowns

Facing the relentless and aggressive attack of Sundowns, which includes Bryan Leon, Cassius Mailula, Tashrik Matthews, and Antonio Van Wyk, Pirates may face difficulties if they deviate from their game plan and basic principles.

Nevertheless, Buccaneers captain Tapelo Shoki remains composed. He is convinced that the players deserve their place in the club and are fully ready to defend the MTN8, Betway Premiership, and Carling Knockout trophies.

'First of all, they didn't reach this stage by chance. They worked hard and earned their spot. The club entrusted them with the roles and responsibilities they have. For us, it is always to remind them of that,' said Shoki.

He added that the players must play in their own style, as this style brought them to this stage, and that they are currently in a week where some of them are playing in their first final, but they are not at risk.

The young players and newcomers receive good support. The FIFA international break played in the team's favor, allowing Mbati and Mahlenni Makhaule to fully recover and return to the fight for the final.

'There are guys who have played in some of these finals,' Shoki continued. 'There are guys who will guide them on that day. There is also technical staff who is experienced enough to know what is required and what to tell them. They are not at risk. They are ready.'

'Everyone wearing the Orlando Pirates jersey is ready. Years of sacrifice and preparation have brought them here. It is just a moment for them to do it.'

Pitsso Mosimane is setting strict demands for the Bafana Bafana national team players, emphasizing that the tactical approach and playing style must adhere to the interests of the team, rather than club preferences. He believes that every footballer is obliged to adapt to the needs of the national team.

Bafana Bafana

During the CAFCON qualifier match against Guinea, which ended with a 2-1 victory for Bafana Bafana at Orlando Stadium Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon, Aubrey Modiba and Oswin Apollos played on the left flank. Mosimane highly praised Modiba's performance as a left-back and urged him to continue playing as he does for 'Mamelodi Sundowns,' as this is the most effective way to serve the national team.

Mosimane stated decisively: 'Modiba must play exactly as he plays for Sundowns. He must take up the number 10 position. This is important. I did not invent this style for Modiba—he played like this. We must use his strengths.'

Nevertheless, Mosimane believes that Apollos and right-back Kamogelo Selebele could contribute more to the team's game in both defense and attack, as the Bafana formation differs from how they operate at 'Orlando Pirates.' Mosimane explained that Apollos knows that when Modiba drifts inside, he must stay on the flank. However, at 'Pirates,' Apollos plays shifted inside, whereas for the national team, he needs to adjust to match Modiba.

He added that at 'Pirates,' Apollos drifts inside while Deon Hotto comes in from the flank, but in the national team, he needs to remain wide on the flank instead of moving inside. Sometimes Selebele must drop back.

Mosimane's comments after the match sparked active debate on social media. Critics accused him of bias towards the 'Sundowns' playing style while ignoring the 'Pirates' system, which opponents argue promotes division among clubs instead of unity around the national team. However, the article's author maintains that such criticism is unfounded. Although Mosimane naturally prefers the system he created at 'Sundowns,' his approach is based on tactical logic that he developed many years ago and upon which the successes of subsequent coaches, including the current Miguel Cardoso, were built. Ultimately, the responsibility for game plans lies with Mosimane at Bafana Bafana, who develops strategies to neutralize the strengths of opponents, and the players must adapt to the requirements of the national team, not vice versa.