Why the MTN8 final tests Tsepo Masilela’s loyalty

Saturday’s MTN8 final showdown between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu is one that will test Tsepo Masilela’s loyalty.

The last club Masilela played for was AmaZulu, while his young brother Innocent Maela is captain of Pirates. 

The two sides clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18h00 in a potentially explosive MTN8 final encounter.

Maela has since revealed that Masilela will be coming to the stadium to support him as he has done faithfully since his appointment as captain of Pirates.

“Tsepo has been very good to me. Even tonight, he is coming to support me. Even now, during my injuries, he has been so helpful in terms of my recovery,” Maela told FARPost on the sidelines of an Adidas activation in Durban. 

Meanwhile, Maela has expressed his disappointment in missing out on the MTN8 final. The former Thanda Royal Zulu captain had hoped to fight to lift his first trophy as Pirates skipper. 

The 30-year-old has since rallied his teammates to do it for the Buccaneers faithful. “It’s a huge success for me to lead this club, and we know how important it is for us to win this cup, for the fans and the whole Buccaneers,” Maela said.

The Bafana Bafana defender said he will play the support role as his teammates battle it out for honours.

“I’m so disappointed lot. There are things one cannot control, and this is the one, but we will continue playing the role of supporting the boys from the bench.”

The selfless skipper knows the cup final is about the entire Buccaneers family and believes his teammates will represent the club well. “This is not about Maela. It’s about the team, and I know my role tonight.” 

The Buccaneers will be aiming to win their first trophy since 2020, which was the same cup and keep the trophy. On the other hand, AmaZulu will be aiming to win its first cup in 30 years.