MTN8 final preview: Can SuperSport overcome CT City again?

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SuperSport United will look to become the first team since Orlando Pirates to defend the MTN8 title when they tackle Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City outfit in the final on Saturday, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

These two sides are certainly no strangers to each other, with this encounter set to be the third cup final between them. City won the Telkom Knockout competition in the 2016-17 campaign, while SuperSport are the defending MTN8 champions after seeing off Benni McCarthy’s side last year.

City will no doubt look to avenge last year’s cup final defeat. McCarthy came so close to winning silverware in his maiden season as a coach, with Sibusiso Masina opening the scoring for the Citizens at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, but a late strike by Thabo Mnyamane, coupled with heroics from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, saw Matsatsantsa claim a 4-2 victory on penalties.

Both sides endured rather tough run-ins to the final, with Kaitano Tembo’s side getting the better of Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs to seal a spot in the final with striker Bradley Grobler most notably netting three goals in two games against Chiefs in the two-legged semi-final.

The Mother City outfit were also handed a tough draw as they manoeuvered their way past defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns and last season’s surprise package Maritzburg United.

City enjoy a better head-to-head record against SuperSport since the club’s formation in 2016. The two sides have met on seven previous occasions with City dominating with two wins as opposed to SuperSport’s one, while four of the games ended in stalemates.

McCarthy’s side have already managed to get the better of Tembo’s side this season, after the clubs met on the opening day of the Absa Premiership campaign. Goals from Roland Putsche and Craig Martin saw City ease to a 2-0 victory at the Cape Town Stadium.

There is added motivation from both teams to win the clash for their respective coaches with McCarthy and Tembo seeking their first taste of silverware in the South African top flight.

The two sides have experienced different starts to the new league campaign: City are without a victory in their last five league clashes, as opposed to SuperSport who have won four out of their opening six matches.

City will be without influential defender Taariq Fielies who is suspended after picking up a red card in their 4-1 thumping at the hands of Chiefs. SuperSport is expected to field a full-strength squad with Grobler back in the fold after recovering from a niggling injury.

The two sides clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday with kick-off set for 7pm.

Photo: Backpagepix

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Marshall Gouts