Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes their MTN8 exit can be partly attributed to Orlando Pirates being sharper and further along in their preparations for the new season.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes that with time, he and his technical team can transform the Soweto giants into an even greater force.
Orlando Pirates booked their place in the MTN8 final after a penalty shootout victory against Mamelodi Sundowns following a 1-1 draw in the 2nd-leg of the last-four clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is predicting a very tricky game for both teams when they come up against Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial MTN8 second leg semifinal at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville this afternoon.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says it would be naïve to place too much importance on their away goal from the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Orlando Pirates.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is confident that his side will soon turn the corner and find their rhythm, to erase the slow start to the new season.