By Adelani Ogunrinade
Maroon, gold & black jerseys shimmered in the Durban heat as more than 60,000 local fans gathered under the Iconic arch of Moses Mabhida stadium for the eagerly-anticipated epilogue of the MTN8.
As Pirates aimed for a hat-trick of wins in the domestic cup competition and Stellies aspired to add to their modest silverware collection, the final had all the ingredients to explode like fireworks on New Year’s eve!
The game burst into rip-roaring action when Lehlohonolo Mojela scored a jaw-droppingly beautiful bicycle kick! Pirates equalizer came courtesy of Monnapule Saleng a few minutes before the half-time whistle blew. The second half had the intensity of a Soweto derby and seemed extra-time bound with the possibility of a penalty shoot-out till the unthinkable happened….
‘lightning struck twice’ in the 90th minute! In dramatic fashion, substitutes Tshegofatso Mabasa and teenage sensation, Relebohile Mofokeng both scored, sending the stadium to a state of complete pandemonium!
Here are three glaring facts from the Final:
- VAR sorely missed
Referee Abongile Tom was surrounded by angry Stellies stars after Pirates scored from a quick free-kick, taking advantage of the concentration lapses of Steve Barker’s mentally tired defence. In theory, any free kick can be taken quickly as long as the referee has not chosen to make it a ‘ceremonial’ moment. However, the controversial incident could have done with a quick VAR check.
- Stellies still firing on all Cylinders
Despite the questionable officiating that shifted the momentum of the fiery contest, the Stellies squad left the pitch with their heads held high. Competing in an MTN8 final is a sign that last year’s Carling Knockout Cup winners are certainly on the right track. In the past two seasons, Stellies have sold key players like Ashley du Preez, Olwethu Makhanya, Junior Mendieta, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, to Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and the Major League Soccer (MLS) respectively but with the likes of Lehlohonolo Mojela, Andre de jong, Fawaz Basadien shining, Steve Barker’s squad is still on fire!
- Amabhakabhaka: The Cup Kings of SA
After becoming the first club to win the MTN8 for three consecutive seasons, The Buccaneers solidified their reputation as ‘The Cup Kings of SA’. Spanish coach Jose Riveiro has turned Pirates into mentality monsters and fearsome cup specialists in just two years at the helm. Star boy Relebohile Mofokeng continues to provide evidence that he is the future of South-African football.