Rodney Ramagalela backs Orlando Pirates and Sundowns to deliver MTN8 final spectacle

The two giants will meet at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with Pirates looking to defend the trophy they won last season as part of a historic domestic treble.

The Buccaneers also claimed the Carling Knockout and their first league title in 14 years, while Sundowns endured their first trophyless domestic campaign since 2012/13.

However, the Brazilians enjoyed a memorable season on the continent, winning the CAF Champions League for only the second time and becoming the first South African club to win the competition twice.

For Ramagalela, who made 19 appearances for Sundowns, the meeting between the two sides is exactly what supporters wanted.

"This is what supporters and football people want: Sundowns facing Pirates right now," said Ramagalela, as quoted by Sportswire.

"They are the two best teams in the country. For me, I wouldn't want it any other way. To be fair, both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns fully deserve to be in this final because of how well they have been performing. It is fantastic for the competition and the sponsor."

Pirates could also equal Kaizer Chiefs' record of 15 MTN8 titles with victory.

However, the final comes after an extended FIFA international break, with several players featuring in three matches for Bafana Bafana, including two AFCON qualifiers and a friendly against Egypt.

Ramagalela believes the break will not necessarily affect the quality of the final, with both clubs boasting strong recovery and analysis structures.

"The headache is only for the coaches. The players - we are talking about Orlando Pirates and Sundowns - have the best facilities in terms of recovery, getting information to the players and analysis," he said.

"I think it is going to come down to the coaches and which players are ready for this game."