03 October 2019, by: Leonard Solms

MTN8 Predictions & Preview – Final

SuperSport United head into their third successive MTN8 final as they prepare to face Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium.

Matsatsantsa starts as favourites and are paying 1.25 to win the 18:00 kick-off in regulation time. The Lions of the North, meanwhile, can be backed at 2.35. A draw is paying 1.75.

However, Highlands Park have proven this season that they are capable of the unexpected. Having knocked out Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals and Polokwane City in the semis, they also head into the final off the back of three straight league wins.

SuperSport United are in similarly impressive form. Despite having already played most of their fellow league title challengers, they sit sixth in the Premiership at the time of writing — one place behind Highlands Park.

Matsatsantsa knocked Bidvest Wits out in the quarter-finals before winning the Tshwane Derby against Mamelodi Sundowns in the semis.

Bradley Grobler has been influential for SuperSport United this season, netting five league goals and one in the MTN8.

However, Highlands Park’s Peter Shalulile is the only player to have outscored him in the Premiership with six strikes.

Thamsanqa Gabuza leads the MTN8 top scorers’ race though, having netted three times.

Kaitano Tembo’s team has scored in nine consecutive fixtures across all competitions. Meanwhile, Owen da Gama’s men have netted in all six of their league fixtures.

There will likely be goals at Orlando Stadium and both defences will need to be on top form.

SuperSport United have two MTN8 titles to their name, picked up in 2004 and 2017. Their most recent triumph saw them beat Cape Town City in the final.

However, Kaitano Tembo is still looking for his first silverware since taking over as head coach from Eric Tinkler. Last season, Matsatsantsa came up short as Cape Town City claimed revenge in the MTN8 final.

This final represents a return to past success for Highlands Park, who lost the then BP Top 8 final to Orlando Pirates in 1983.

Little separates the two teams on paper now, but because of their experience in this competition, SuperSport United are tipped to come out on top.

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