‘We Don’t Take This Lightly’: Pirates Assistant

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs has reaffirmed the club’s commitment to the MTN8, insisting that the Buccaneers are determined to bring the trophy home once again.

Pirates are aiming to win the MTN8 title for the fifth consecutive time as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The defending champions will be eager to retain their crown against the African champions in what promises to be a highly anticipated, sold-out encounter.

Jacobs has underlined the importance of the competition to the club, expressing pride in reaching their fifth consecutive final and emphasising the significance of the occasion.

“As always, we take this trophy absolutely seriously,” said Jacobs.

“We are so privileged to be in this tournament and in the final for the fifth consecutive season; we don’t take that lightly. There’s a lot of pride at stake here, let’s be honest. It’s a big opponent in front of us, but we come into this game as champions, not only of the MTN8 but also of the PSL.”

Jacobs also expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, insisting that the Buccaneers are ready to deliver a strong performance and secure victory to lift the trophy for a fifth successive season.

“We’ve had a good two weeks while the Bafana boys were away. We did some hard work with the rest of the guys, and we feel we are fully prepared,” Jacobs said.

“If we come here on Saturday and everybody performs the way they have been performing over the last two weeks, I think we will come home with the fifth title. We are excited for the game, and I guarantee you we have left no stone unturned.”

Pirates have contested seven MTN8 finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium, winning five and losing the other two against Platinum Stars and Kaizer Chiefs.

Sundowns, meanwhile, have featured in two MTN8 finals at the Durban venue, winning one and losing the other. Their defeat came against Pirates in the 2023/24 season.