Pirates defeated Moroka Swallows on penalties in 2010 and became the first team to defend the MTN8 the following season when Oupa Manyisa, who was playing some of his best football at the time, beat goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune with a long-range shot in extra time which bounced awkwardly on its way to goal.
Pirates were just unstoppable at the time and had players who were hungry for success. Despite the departure of Dutch coach Ruud Krol at the end of the 2010/11 campaign, new coach Julio Leal was able to continue where he left off.
A man who played the entire 120 minutes for the Buccaneers, Tlou Segolela, remembers how tense that final was, because Pirates and Chiefs usually approached games with caution. So it was always going to be a game that would either be decided by an odd goal or a penalty shootout.
Fortunately for the Buccaneers, it did not go to the dreaded shootout, as they wrapped it up before the end of 120 minutes.
“Winning the competition was one of those great moments a footballer can wish to have. The good part is that we won it,” Segolela tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“It was tense because it went to extra time. Chiefs and Pirates are cautious when they meet.
“If you remember how it happened, it was just our day. Things went our way. You saw how the ball travelled and Khune misjudged it. It’s one of those goals that will always be remembered.”
Segolela says the MTN8 gives clubs an opportunity to win silverware early in the season, while other teams are still finding their feet.
“The MTN8 is the first tournament of the season and, while the teams are sleeping and trying to find their tune, you have an opportunity to win it and get more confidence and hunger because of the money that is involved.”
Segolela is hoping for an entertaining final on Saturday, when Cape Town City takes on SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“I wish both teams all the best. May the best team win. I hope they play nice and entertaining football.”