Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus believes few gave them a chance to overcome the on-form Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani successfully defended their top-eight title after defeating Masandawana 3-1 on penalties. This was after the match ended in a 0-0 draw after regulation time and extra time.
Pirates have won all cup competitions they have taken part in since Jose Riveiro took the reins in June last year. Last season, the Soweto giants lifted the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
Erasmus was asked how much of a gap he thought they had closed between themselves and Sundowns who have been dominating in the past few seasons.
However, he refused to compare the sides, saying Pirates is a big team. And he stated he felt many among the members of the media wrote them off ahead of the match.
KERMIT ERASMUS SAYS PIRATES AREN’T FAR FROM WHERE THEY WANT TO BE
“We’re not far from where we want to be as a team and we don’t like to compare ourselves with other teams,” said Erasmus after the game.
“We all know Orlando Pirates is a big team and I’m sure a lot of you guys [media] wrote us off before the game. But we’re sitting here today as champions.
“It shows you that we had a desire and hunger that we tried and showed and achieve in games. You gotta give everything in the games.
“Last game results won’t guarantee you a win in your next game. Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself and that’s what we’re trying to do as a team.
“Be consistent and prove ourselves in every game.”
Meanwhile, Erasmus has won the MTN8 three times in a row including a triumph with Bafana Ba Style during the 2020/21 season.
RELATED STORY: ‘Zero chances for Pirates over 120 minutes’: Rulani reacts to MTN8 final defeat
