From Itumeleng Khune’s heroics for Kaizer Chiefs against Mamelodi Sundowns to Golden Arrows thumping Ajax Cape Town, FourFourTwo South Africa takes a look at the top five MTN8 cup finals since the tournament’s inception.
1) Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns (2008)
The first-ever MTN8 tournament will most notably be remembered for Chiefs striking duo Gert Schalkwyk and Jose Torrealba.
Five goals in four games between them were enough to see Amakhosi get their hands on the title as they outwitted Sundowns in the final at Kings Park in Durban, with Khune the hero – saving two penalties from Esrom Nyandoro and Thando Mngomeni after the game ended goalless after 120 minutes of gruelling action.
2) Ajax Cape Town vs Golden Arrows (2009)
One of the most enthralling finals ever played in South Africa, period. The Mother City outfit, led by caretaker coach Jan Pruijn, were taught a footballing lesson of note by Manqoba Mngqithi’s side after overcoming Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs to reach the final.
Arrows turned on the style to clinch their first major trophy with the goals by Njabulo Manqana (2), Richard Henyekane (deceased), Thokozani Msheng, Nhlanhla Zothwane and an own goal from Ajax defender Deniss Ivanovs. An hour-long stadium blackout did not dampen the spirits at Orlando Stadium with Manqana netting a spectacular goal as the cherry on top in the most one-sided performance in the history of the MTN8 thus far.
3) Bidvest Wits vs Mamelodi Sundowns (2016)
To watch the eight-time league and former Caf Champions League champions being victims of showboating is somewhat of a surreal scene, but to watch them being put to the sword in a merciless and clinical display is just priceless.
Gavin Hunt’s men were ruthless from the offset, netting after just 30 seconds when Daine Klate took advantage of a poor clearance. Eleazor Rodgers got the second for Wits, while Klate completed his brace just after the hour mark, giving Wits more than enough time to please the strong crowd at the Mbombela Stadium in true South African style.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane later voiced his annoyance at Wits’ showboating with Thabang Monare and Xola Mlambo the main culprits in a devastatingly good performance from the Clever Boys.
4) Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs (2011)
Orlando Pirates became the first-ever team to successfully defend their MTN8 title after seeing off arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs after a gruelling two hours of cup final football.
The man of the moment for the Buccanneers was Oupa Manyisa, who replicated his semi-final heroics by scoring another long-range goal to remember – this time in the 107th minute of extra time to send the capacity crowd at FNB Stadium into wild celebrations.
5) SuperSport United vs Cape Town City (2017)
The stage was set for Benni McCarthy’s City outfit to clinch their first piece of silverware in his first season as a coach in the South African top flight, but new cup kings Matsatsantsa had other ideas, denying what would have been a fairytale for the Bafana Bafana legend.
Everything went according to plan for the Mother City outfit, who took the lead in the first half through a strike from Sibusiso Masina, but a mixture of missed goal-scoring opportunities from City and brilliance from SuperSport saw Eric Tinkler’s side grab the equaliser courtesy of substitute Thabo Mnyamane.
The game was forced into extra time and eventually penalties where goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero by saving two penalties to ensure that his side lifted the MTN8 title.
Will history repeat itself when the two sides meet at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday with kick-off set for 7pm?
