The Buccaneers are chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title in South Africa’s first cup competition of the season. They remain the only team to have won the cup three times in a row – and they have done so on two separate occasions.

The final in the Lowveld will be a repeat of the 2024 championship match, when the Sea Robbers beat Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Under the guidance of Steve Barker, the team from the Winelands has been one of the most consistent sides in South African cup competitions, and that goes for their league campaign as well. Season after season, they punch well above their weight against the so-called Big Three.

Stellies vs. Marumo Gallants. Photo: Morgan Piek

For Barker, the final will be a big occasion as he hunts for his second title in the tournament. Barker knows all about lifting the trophy, he won it as a player 30 years ago when Wits beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in the 1995 final, with former Bafana Bafana defender Bradley Carnell scoring a brace.

Barker said winning silverware is always any player’s dream, and as a coach, it would be special to claim the title for a second time.

“Yes, we’re obviously really, really excited and highly motivated. I think not only myself, but the whole club,” said the nephew of the late legendary Bafana Bafana coach, Clive Barker.

“Technical staff, support staff, and players. We just need to remember that you don’t get to a final every season.”

“So when you do get into a final, you have to take the opportunity that presents itself. I think people sometimes forget that getting to an MTN8 final is not easy. It starts the season before, making sure you finish in the top eight, which we did.

“Fortunately, we got a home quarter-final. We got past AmaZulu, then a very good team in Sekhukhune. And now, to get to the final against Pirates, I think we first and foremost deserve it. We’ve earned the right to be in the final.

“I think it’s now up to us to make the most of this opportunity, something we’ve worked hard for. So yeah, there’s a lot of anticipation, excitement, and energy among the players.”

“A cup final week is always special. It’s something players, coaches, and clubs want –to compete at the highest level and to win trophies. Winning trophies is always part of a footballer’s dream.

“So hopefully we can make that dream come true. It’s 30 years ago that I won the BP Top 8 as a player. Now it’s the MTN8. Hopefully, I can win it as a coach as well.”

Saturday’s final at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg