Nathan Paulse, the ambassador for this year’s MTN8, has revisited the penalty that sealed the Wafa Wafa Cup trophy for Cape Town Spurs against Kaizer Chiefs in the 2015/16 season.

On 19 September 2015, striker Paulse was brought down by Chiefs defender Erick Mathoho inside the penalty area. Referee Daniel Bennett awarded a spot kick, which Paulse converted past Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the 56th minute at the packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Despite Chiefs’ relentless attacks in search of an equalizer, Spurs held firm and secured the MTN8 trophy under coach Roger de Sa.

“It was a constant battle between me and Mathoho, as we had played together at Bloemfontein Celtic,” Paulse told Sportswire. “He knew me well, so it was a back-and-forth contest. Luckily, he was a bit too aggressive in his tackle, and I went over his leg. Some people said it was a dive, but he was too aggressive, and ultimately, the referee saw it as a foul, and I took full advantage.”

This was a chance for Paulse to redeem himself in this competition after losing the 2012/13 season with SuperSport United against Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium.

The 2024/25 MTN8 final will be played between Orlando Pirates, the defending champions, and Stellenbosch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (18:00). The match is a sold-out affair, similar to the 2015 final in Gqeberha.

While Pirates are favored to win, Stellenbosch has a strong record against them, having defeated the Soweto Giants three times last season. Stellenbosch also has the experience of playing in a final, having won the Carling Knockout trophy last season at the Durban venue against TS Galaxy.

Stellies, on their way to reach the MTN8 final this season, beat all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on aggregate, with the second leg having taken place at the Durban venue.  

Paulse feels this will play in the minds of Orlando Pirates players. 

“I think Orlando Pirates should be mindful of the small details, and Stellenbosch can take confidence from their past victories against Pirates. Everyone expects Pirates to win and make history, but it won’t be a walk in the park for either team. But the fact is, this will blow-by-blow game and it won’t be a walk in the park for anyone.”  

Pirates are aiming to become the first team to win the MTN8 three times in a row, having won the past two titles at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Interestingly, the last time Pirates lost the MTN8 final was against Chiefs in 2014/15, when Tefu Mashamaite scored the game’s only goal from the perfectly delivered set play by George Maluleka.