Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus has revelled in becoming the first player to win the MTN8 three times in row.
Erasmus, too many surprises, was preferred as a starter when Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on post match penalties at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, playing as a second striker.
Unlike when he normally struggled to be composed and control the ball, this time Erasmus was good – dropping back in the middle to assist and to cultivate things and it led Sundowns players struggling to not know where he was all the time.
The Buccaneers, who many did not give them a chance to win the competition having failed to win in the last four matches in all competitions, won the MTN8 for the fifth time, three in the last four years and 12th in their history, closing on to Kaizer Chiefs’ 15 record.
It was Erasmus’ third MTN8 trophy in six finals in his career, five with Pirates. He lost this cup with Bucs in the 2013/14 season against Platinum Stars and to Kaizer Chiefs in the 2014/15 season in his first stint.
The other defeat came with SuperSport United in the 2012/13 season at the hands of Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium.
But having joined Pirates from Sundowns on the last day of the transfer window last season, Erasmus won this trophy when Pirates beat AmaZulu in November last year and also with Sundowns in the 2021/22 season when they defeated Cape Town City on post match penalties.
“I won three in a row,” said Erasmus in correcting the question before it was completed.
After the question was completed, Erasmus calmly added: “Obviously three finals and you are not guaranteed to win, but giving your best is guaranteed and for me that is what I always try to do leading up to games – finals or any official games (give my best).
“I am happy that I could be part of the winning team again and just give other players that haven’t won anything and the feeling of winning things.
“Hopefully it can motivate them to continue working hard and wanting to be part of this team, try to win things as we have done tonight.”
Impressively, all those MTN8 trophies that have been won by Erasmus have been at Durban’s iconic World Cup venue which was hosting the final of the domestic cup for the 17th time and nine in the MTN8 in 13 years since the stadium was reopened post the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
