Orlando Pirates assistant coach Sergio Almenara is confident that the Soweto giants players won’t struggle to keep their emotions in check in the sold-out MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The much-anticipated clash is set to be played this evening (18:00) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
As seen in past matches, tensions boil over when the two SA football giants clash, usually with players from both sides at each other’s throats or coaches having a go at each other or match officials.
In the last game [in the DStv Premiership] between Pirates and Sundowns, which the latter won 1-0 at Orlando Stadium, the Soweto giants struggled to control their emotions as the club’s second assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi was sent off. As a result, he will miss the MTN8 final.
ALMENARA CONFIDENT PIRATES CAN CONTROL EMOTIONS IN MTN8 FINAL
Almenara insisted that Pirates would handle their emotions, stating that only one person went for an early shower.
The match is a do-or-die final with high stakes. The winner will receive R8 million in prize money, while the loser will receive R800,000. This will undoubtedly heighten emotions among the players and fans alike.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS: Revenge not on Sundowns’ mind ahead of Pirates clash in MTN8 final
“We are talking about one individual, right? That doesn’t mean that everyone is the same,” said Almenara.
“We are facing the game as usual, with the confidence that we have been working well during the week, with the confidence that we have a quality enough to face a good team in various conditions, that’s all.”
Pirates head into the final as defending champions as they won the trophy last season. They beat AmaZulu FC 1-0 at the same venue – Moses Mabhida Stadium.