Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says he hopes 90% of the supporters in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida are fans of Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns take on the reigning champions in Durban on Saturday afternoon as they look to avenge their 3-0 drubbing in last season’s semi-final.
While Pirates have yet to beat Sundowns again since that eventful fixture in Polokwane, the Buccaneers shared incredible memories where they won the title at that iconic venue.
The Buccaneers head coach Jose Riveiro reflected on it, while striker Kermit Erasmus stated they are looking to provide a spectacle for 90% of their fans filling out the sold-out arena.
“There’s a way I can answer that question honestly, the problem is that if I’m honest you will twist my words – the media in general, it’s true, I try not to say things, my answer to your questions is direct,” Mokwena said when asked if being outnumbered by Pirates fans will benefit Sundowns.
“I don’t want to leave the door open. There are two ways to this situation, it’s good for Pirates, I hope, I honestly hope 80%, maybe even 90% Pirates supporters because I know what happens. I’ve been at Pirates, I know what happens. So no comment on that.
“I hope it is like that, to be honest. I think we played our best games in Wydad, in Algeria against Belouizdad, they were whistling and trying to make it uncomfortable for us – in Al Ahly the flared and smoke and things – they tried to make it difficult for us.
“Our team responded, even at Orlando Stadium twice… this season they tried to make it difficult for us and I’ve seen this team respond, so I don’t think this plays too much of a factor to our approach of the game.”
The game at Moses Mabhida is scheduled to kick off at 18h00 on Saturday.
