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| Lerato Chabangu @ Backpagepix |
The MTN8 final will be contested between Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium, in Soweto, on Saturday night.
Here PSL.co.za takes a look at the key players from either side.
Moroka Swallows
Lerato Chabangu
The Bafana Bafana forward has been immense for the Birds during the competition thus far, collecting the man-of-the-match prize in every game so far.
The 27-year-old has not only scored three times to head the goal-scoring list, but also created a trio of strikes for his side. He is an integral part of the Swallows attack and continues to enjoy a career rebirth, which included a recall to the national team last month after over four years out.
Siyabonga Nomvethe
Another key component to the Swallows forward line, Nomvethe has scored one goal so far and provided two assists. At 34, the veteran striker continues to defy his age and will be key to any hopes of a Birds victory.
Buoyed by his 20-goal showing last year, the Durban-born player has already scored twice in the league so far this season, showing he can still cut it on the big stage.
Lefa Tsutsulupa
Not often given enough credit, the Birds captain has been going about his business silently, albeit incredibly professionally in midfield.
Tsutsulupa, one of the most established leaders in any domestic team, has led his charges admirably through the opening rounds of the competition. He has often controlled the midfield in an unsung role and will be hoping to do the same on Saturday.
SuperSport United
George Maluleka
The 23-year-old marked his debut for Matsatsantsa with an impressive showing against Free State Stars. He created one goal and was a constant threat for the opposition with his pace and flair from midfield. The influence of the former Ajax Cape Town man will be key to SuperSport’s chances.
Franklin Cale
Another former Ajax player, who is likely to be vital in the SuperSport midfield. The pacey winger also marked his debut with a solid showing against Stars, which was capped by goal that turned out to be the winner. Cale, 29, featured in all three of United’s games so far, with solid shifts in both legs against Orlando Pirates in the semi-final.
Mor Diouf
The Pretoria outfit has conceded just one goal in the competition so far and that has mainly been down to the solid centre-half pairing of Diouf and Bevan Fransman.
Senegal defender arrived from Maritzburg United over the winter after two consistent seasons where he established himself as one of the best in the business. He is strong on his feet, built solidly like most west Africans and is good offensively too be it with his head or his boot.
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