“The Past Is History” — Xoki
Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki has revealed what has worked for the Buccaneers in cup finals ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The defending champions will host the final as they look to retain the MTN8 title.
A sold-out clash between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs is expected to leave little room for mistakes, with Pirates looking to secure their first trophy of the season and Sundowns targeting their second.
Xoki says Pirates’ approach to finals has been simple: treat every final as a completely new occasion and avoid dwelling on previous encounters.
“What has worked for us is to always approach each final as if that final has never been played before,” Xoki said.
“The finals we’ve played in the past are all in the past. The results of the past are all history now. For us, it’s a game where you focus on what’s needed on the day.
“The coach and his technical staff will help us in terms of preparation and what to look out for, and then we use the experience of when it’s tough in the game,” added Xoki, who has won four MTN8 titles during his Pirates career.
“We have the senior guys, the guys who are used to the pressure, but other than that, it’s just playing the game and focusing on the game.
“Leave the outside noise. Purely focus on the game on the day.”
This clash marks the third time Pirates and Sundowns have met in an MTN8/BP Top 8 final, with Pirates holding the edge following their penalty shootout victory over Masandawana in the 2023 showpiece.
Pirates have won five MTN8 titles (2010/11, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, establishing the venue as a fortress for the Soweto giants.
