Mark Haskins vs Happy Jele Nedbank Cup Final Predictions

The stage is set for a thrill-a-minute affair, and Haskins, who won this trophy with Moroka Swallows and Bidvest Wits in 2009 and 2010 respectively, has tipped Sundowns to be crowned champions. 

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The former SuperSport United and Jomo Cosmos midfielder feels The Brazilians’ loss to Pirates in the MTN8 final earlier this season makes them hungrier for this afternoon’s game.

"Having lost their last game, Sundowns now have almost a chip on their shoulder, and they've got something to prove having lost against Pirates in a cup final before," said Haskins.

"So all these different things just add more value to what is going to be a really entertaining spectacle. It's a really tough one [to predict], but the funny thing is, if Sundowns didn't lose their last [league] game, I would probably give it to Pirates.

"But because Sundowns lost their last game [against Cape Town City], I would make Sundowns just have that much more to prove now and they'll be hungrier, and they'll have that added desire to make sure they go out and do the business.

"So, that for me is going to make all the difference – the fact that they lost their last game is actually a bad thing for Pirates because that, for me, now makes Sundowns the favourites."

READ: Riveiro confident of spectacle against Mamelodi Sundowns

Jele, a former Pirates captain who played for more than 15 years, is certain coach Jose Riveiro and his boys will retain their title, as he mentions the individual brilliance and contributions from key figures that can contribute to today’s success.

"Pirates is one team that has been consistent this season, and they've been playing very well in this second round – getting a lot of results and points," noted Jele.

"The way they're playing, they'll manage to beat Sundowns because, one, their intensity is very good, two, they play as a team and the culture of the team has been brought back as well – that's the most important thing.

"If you see the likes of Tito [Maswanganyi] and [Tshego] Mabasa getting some goals, [Relebohile] Mofokeng getting s game time and doing well for the team, so too [Makhehleni] Makhaula and [Miguel] Timm, even Saleng as well – that intensity will be key."