Majoro: Desire, not tactics, will decide Sundowns-Pirates clash

Orlando Pirates head into Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns knowing exactly what is at stake — and former Bafana Bafana striker Lehlohonolo Majoro believes hunger and desire, rather than tactics, will ultimately decide who advances to the final.

The defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium, a result that keeps the tie delicately poised ahead of the decisive clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 3pm. 

Sundowns hold the slender advantage thanks to their away goal, but Pirates’ late equaliser kept the contest alive and set the stage for another tense battle between two heavyweights.

“Both teams showed hunger in the first leg for that match and I saw it as an open game because it was end to end,” Majoro told Independent newspapers.

“Pirates showed why they’re the reigning champions of the MTN8 by not giving up and getting an equaliser.”

The Buccaneers have developed a reputation as knockout specialists in recent years, lifting the MTN8 in consecutive seasons and often saving their best for the big stage. 

Their ability to strike late, as they did in the first leg, has only reinforced the belief that they can dig deep when it matters most.

Majoro insists the equation is straightforward. 

“Pirates know that they have to score a goal in Pretoria otherwise Mamelodi Sundowns go to the final and that for me makes it an interesting game,” he explained.

While both sides boast tactical nous and depth in quality, Majoro feels that big occasions like this one hinge more on mentality than strategy.

“In games like these, tactics contribute very little, it’s mostly about desire and how much you’re willing to run yourself to the ground for what’s at stake,” he said.

For Sundowns, their experience in continental competition could be key. The Brazilians have made a habit of grinding out results when holding first-leg advantages, often suffocating opponents by dominating possession and dictating the tempo.

“Sundowns is a team that has experience having played at the highest level of football and with the knowledge they have of not having to score, they’ll probably want to frustrate Pirates by retaining the ball,” Majoro pointed out.

 “It’s gonna be a game of chess for Sundowns because they have experience playing Champions League, we always see how they play with an advantage.”

Still, the champions of South Africa have endured a packed schedule, balancing domestic and continental fixtures alongside their recent Club World Cup participation. 

Majoro believes that workload could become a factor. 

“Sundowns have been playing a lot of games and coming from the Club World Cup, we don’t know whether that will have an effect physically on some players,” he said.

With both sides chasing a place in the first cup final of the season, anticipation is at fever pitch. 

For Sundowns, it is about asserting their dominance on all fronts, while for Pirates, it is about defending their crown and proving once again why they thrive under knockout pressure.

On Saturday in Atteridgeville, only one will punch their ticket to the MTN8 final. 

And as Majoro suggests, it may come down to which team is willing to run further, fight harder and dig deeper when it matters most.