Pirates have won the MTN8 championship for the past two seasons, and victory over Stellenbosch will be the first time a club has won the title three times in a row in the Premier Soccer League era.
In light of their cup successes and runner-up Premiership slots in the past two seasons, Fish says the club has reached a “season of expectation” that can be kick-started by lifting the MTN8 trophy.
“There is plenty riding on the outcome for the Soweto giants, including rewriting the history books. But there is something far more important at stake,” said Fish in an interview with Showmax.
“Winning their first trophy of the season would provide Pirates with a major stepping stone, in this season of expectation.
“We all know what Pirates biggest problem is, and it is consistency. They perform well when it comes to one-off games. But hopefully, if they win, they will use the momentum to motivate them for the rest of the season.”
Fish was pleased that Moses Mabhida will be at capacity because Pirates fans know they have a role to play especially because the club is looking to counter Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the overall picture of South African football.
“As Pirates fans, we expect our team to push for the Betway Premiership this season. We expect to give Mamelodi Sundowns a much harder time than the past few seasons,” said Fish.
After Stellenbosch defeated Sundowns twice in the MTN8 semi-final round, Fish said the club has been “remarkable” and they have become “giant-killers” in the PSL fold.
“Stellenbosch is an exciting team, one that I admire. What they are doing at the club is remarkable, so it will not be an easy game for Pirates,” said the Cape Town-born Fish.
“The club plays phenomenal football. Their structure is great, and they have set the standard in the PSL.
“The two clubs probably play a similar style of football. It will be an exciting final with lots of opportunities.”
Fish has predicted a 2-1 win for his former club Pirates.
“It’s tough to predict an outcome because these are two good teams. I was going for Pirates to win on penalties, but let’s hope it’s a 2-1 win to Pirates in normal time.”
During the Showmax interview, Fish was joined by Robert Marawa, a well-known sports journalist, and radio and television presenter.
He agreed with Fish about history being a motivator and added that Pirates players will be thinking of their coach José Riveiro and the late Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
“Apart from the historic feat of a club winning the title three times in a row, more history beckons for Riveiro,” said Marawa.
“Tshabalala, the forefather of Orlando Pirates, who passed away some months ago, is the only coach to win the title thrice. Riveiro is just a step away from joining Tshabalala. This is a big moment for Pirates. The players will be determined to do well, for the club, for the fans, and bring in more silverware to the club.”
While 12-time Top 8 winners Pirates go into the MTN8 final as favourites, Stellenbosch beat them three times last season and have quite an appetite for the PSL’s so-called ‘big teams’.