The nature of a cup final, where the build-up centers around what is likely to happen on the field of play, has ensured the fact Orlando Pirates poached a performance analyst from Stellenbosch FC during off-season has flown under the radar.
There's history in the making, of three out of three MTN8 titles in successive seasons for the Buccaneers.
The likely absence of key duo Monnapule Saleng and Olisa Ndah.
Thabiso Monyane, if started, coming in from the cold with cup-tied Deano Van Rooyen having occupied right-back in the matches leading up to the Moses Mabhida showdown.
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The battle of the goalkeepers, with a Last Man Standing accolade up for grabs as Sipho Chaine and Sage Stephens have near impenetrable between the sticks so far.
But none of the above sub-plots is as intriguing as the presence of Devon O'Brien, the man whose every analytical word Steve Barker hung on to just a few months ago, in the performance analysis room of the Soweto giants.
It could well turn out to be the master key that unlocks the R10 million purse, which the winners will earn after the match on Saturday.
O'Brien adds much expertise and innovation as second performance analyst at the club alongside Rayaan Jacobs, and is touted for a bright future in the profession.
In an interview with KickOff in June, Mike Makaab, CEO of ProSport International, offered some insight into what he offers,.
"Today when you look at what analysts do, it is far more than just analyzing games. There's live analysis during the game, with information being fed to the coaching staff.
"Technology has changed all sports, but let's talk about football, it has changed the way football is coached, the information feed that coaches get. So we're super excited to be part of that journey with Devon," revealed the top agent, at the time.
It remains to be seen how this all could play into Pirates' advantage, with O'Brien a little better equipped to share with Jose Riveiro about Barker's modus operandi and tactical thinking for such games.
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After all, the two teams met each other four times last season, including in the MTN8 semi-finals (over two legs). The Stellies danger men then, such as Andre De Jong, Jayden Adams, Fawaaz Basadien and Devon Titus, have not moved an inch despite all manner of speculation, though 'big fish' Iqraam Rayners has since departed.
If the perception is that Barker proved to be one step ahead of his opposite number by having Deano Van Rooyen cup-tied, playing him in a quarterfinal match against TS Galaxy, then the Spaniard might have mitigated that absence with an even more influential signing.