Thapelo Xoki says Orlando Pirates are not favourites in the MTN8 final

Thapelo Xoki disputes that Orlando Pirates are favourites to win Saturday's MTN8 final.

The Pirates defender said their approach to a game such as this one is to look at it as a final than think they will win because they have won the previous four editions.

"What has worked for us is to always approach each final as that final. Not play the finals before. The finals we’ve played in the past are all in the past,” said Xoki ahead of the final on Saturday against Mamelodi Sundowns.

“The results of the past are all history now. So, for us, it’s a game where you focus on what’s needed on the day. The coach and his technical staff will help us in terms of preparation and what to look out for.

And then get the experience of when it’s tough in the game. You have the head guys, the guys who are used to the pressure. But other than that, it’s just playing the game and focussing on the game.

“Leave the outside noise but purely focus on the game on the day.”