Mabasa confident Pirates can make history in MTN8

September 12, 2025 65

Orlando Pirates striker, Tshegofatsho Mabasa, says the recent motor vehicle accident that landed several members of the team, including head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, in hospital at the beginning of the month has strengthened the squad’s determination to win a fourth consecutive MTN8 title.

The accident occurred on August 31, a day after their 3-0 league victory over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport, involving Ouaddou and five other members of the technical panel.

“Yes, it [the accident] will always be a motivation because of the sense of unity we have in the group. We always support one another and we are always there for one another,” Mabasa said. “It was unfortunate what happened, but ours is just to focus on this game.”

Having been part of the teams that won the past three editions of the competition under former coach Jose Riveiro, Mabasa says the squad remains driven to make history again.

“There’s a phrase that’s been in these corridors here at Rand Stadium for a couple of years now, that ‘History can’t be rewritten’, and that’s what we believe in, and hopefully we can do that on Saturday — grab our fourth MTN8 title in a row.”

🏆 #MTN8 Final ⌛️

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/bNGzXZqxEH

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) September 12, 2025

South Africans have taken to social media expressing their excitement ahead of the much anticipated match.

Massive game tomorrow

The MTN 8 cup final, which Mamelodi Sundowns are not featuring in 🥰

— BokScrum (@BokScrum1211) September 12, 2025

We’re feasting this weekend Sports wise, MTN 8 Final and World Champs 😁🙌🏽

— ◉ Ntsako 🏃🏾‍♂️◉ (@Sevhic_) September 11, 2025

After the masterclass goal, that Mbokazi will score in the final of MTN 8… The boy will be as good as gone https://t.co/kvdGs4Jlhk

— Malome TT (@Malome_TT) September 11, 2025