SUPERSPORT United have the pedigree and big-match temperament, but Moroka Swallows have all the reason to be the hungrier team for tomorrow night's MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium.
The season's first cup final pits the country's in-form attacking team - Swallows - against a SuperSport team who are arguably the best organised defensive combination. Swallows have scored 14 goals in five league and cup games to date. The Birds, built around a host of veterans enjoying a second wind in their careers, are motivated to make up for last season's runners-up league position.
SuperSport were 3-0 Nedbank Cup final winners over Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue in May, and have plenty of trophy pedigree.
Birds coach Zeca Marques was eager to label his side the underdogs. "SuperSport are a good team with a good coach who's been with them for years. They've got good pedigree when it comes to finals, which makes us the underdogs. But that's what makes this final exciting, one team very strong defensively and the other one very strong going forward," Marques said.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt said: "Anybody can win. Swallows are more settled ... we've got a lot of new players."
Marques said it is unlikely star striker Siyabonga Nomvethe will have recovered from a foot injury. In the absence of Nomvethe, Katlego Mashego looks set to lead from the front. David Mathebula could start tomorrow, although having only just returned from a knee injury, a place on the bench seems more likely.
Birds captain Lefa Tsutsulupa said: "As a team it's important to start winning trophies. We believe it's time we make our own history because people tend to compare us to the old generation. It's also important to show last year was not a fluke."
Hunt said his main concern was which 11 players to take to the field, but not because of injuries. "For the first time this season, the treatment room is empty. I've got a full squad of players and it's giving me a headache to try and get that XI. Whatever I do is going to be wrong - somebody's going to be left out."
United have big-name players like Sibusiso Zuma, Franklin Cale and Jabu Maluleke who are eager to win their second successive PSL title.
Kickoff is 8.15pm, and the game will be televised live on SABC1 and SuperSport 4.
Meanwhile, excitement, more like relief, could be felt at the PSL as Wafa Wafa final tickets sales shot up yesterday, with just under 10000 left for tomorrow's final.
Tickets are on sale for R40 (adults) and R10 (children) at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide. - Additional reporting by Kgomotso Sethusha
Wafa Wafa is at fever pitch
SUPERSPORT United have the pedigree and big-match temperament, but Moroka Swallows have all the reason to be the hungrier team for tomorrow night's MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium.
The season's first cup final pits the country's in-form attacking team - Swallows - against a SuperSport team who are arguably the best organised defensive combination. Swallows have scored 14 goals in five league and cup games to date. The Birds, built around a host of veterans enjoying a second wind in their careers, are motivated to make up for last season's runners-up league position.
SuperSport were 3-0 Nedbank Cup final winners over Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue in May, and have plenty of trophy pedigree.
Birds coach Zeca Marques was eager to label his side the underdogs. "SuperSport are a good team with a good coach who's been with them for years. They've got good pedigree when it comes to finals, which makes us the underdogs. But that's what makes this final exciting, one team very strong defensively and the other one very strong going forward," Marques said.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt said: "Anybody can win. Swallows are more settled ... we've got a lot of new players."
Marques said it is unlikely star striker Siyabonga Nomvethe will have recovered from a foot injury. In the absence of Nomvethe, Katlego Mashego looks set to lead from the front. David Mathebula could start tomorrow, although having only just returned from a knee injury, a place on the bench seems more likely.
Birds captain Lefa Tsutsulupa said: "As a team it's important to start winning trophies. We believe it's time we make our own history because people tend to compare us to the old generation. It's also important to show last year was not a fluke."
Hunt said his main concern was which 11 players to take to the field, but not because of injuries. "For the first time this season, the treatment room is empty. I've got a full squad of players and it's giving me a headache to try and get that XI. Whatever I do is going to be wrong - somebody's going to be left out."
United have big-name players like Sibusiso Zuma, Franklin Cale and Jabu Maluleke who are eager to win their second successive PSL title.
Kickoff is 8.15pm, and the game will be televised live on SABC1 and SuperSport 4.
Meanwhile, excitement, more like relief, could be felt at the PSL as Wafa Wafa final tickets sales shot up yesterday, with just under 10000 left for tomorrow's final.
Tickets are on sale for R40 (adults) and R10 (children) at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide. - Additional reporting by Kgomotso Sethusha
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