Miguel Cardoso wants best referee for MTN8 final vs Orlando Pirates

Miguel Cardoso hopes the referee is the best team on the pitch in the MTN8 final, where Orlando Pirates aim for a fifth straight trophy.

Miguel Cardoso has called for a standout refereeing performance ahead of the MTN8 final between his Mamelodi Sundowns side and Orlando Pirates FC. The Buccaneers are aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory in the competition, having lifted the trophy for the last four seasons.

Cardoso, who has won the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League with Sundowns, addressed the media on Wednesday. He stressed the importance of sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two rivals, noting he had listened to Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou on the image both clubs should project. His clear wish is for the referee to be the best team on the pitch on Saturday evening.

Sundowns target first MTN8 since 2021

Sundowns are focused on ending their own trophy drought in this competition, last winning it in 2021. Arthur Sales, a star player for the side, confirmed the team's desire to win the cup for their coach, stating Cardoso had made it a target at the start of the year. Sales insisted he is ready to play the full 90 minutes, a key point as the club's squad faces fitness doubts over Bafana Bafana stars Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Aubrey Modiba following recent international duty. The team's overall stats this season show a squad capable of challenging on all fronts, but this final is their immediate priority.

Pirates in strong domestic form

Orlando Pirates enter the final in formidable domestic form, sitting second in the Premier Soccer League standings with 19 points from seven games. They are just one point behind leaders Sundowns and are on a three-game winning run, with their last five results reading four wins and a draw. Their next league assignment is a home game against TS Galaxy on 18 October, but all focus is now on the Durban showdown. The club will be checking their own injuries list closely as they prepare for a match that could define the early part of their season.

The MTN8 final kicks off at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, pitting South Africa's two most dominant clubs against each other in a match with significant weight for the campaign ahead. Both teams will be looking at their upcoming fixtures with an eye on maintaining momentum after this high-stakes cup clash.