Let me start this column by congratulating both Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars for reaching this year's final of the MTN8.
There is no doubt that the two teams deserve their place in the final of this prestigious competition, after their impressive performances in the earlier stages of the tournament.
It is understandable that both Roger de Sa and Allan Freese have been under pressure to deliver for their respective sides.
But going into the game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend, I want to take this opportunity to commend Platinum Stars' players for showing willingness to do well for the Phokeng outfit and the Royal Bafokeng nation.
Why do I single out Stars' players? These are the hard working guys, who despite their noticeable efforts in the past two seasons, have had the underdog tag following them throughout.
These are the same players that did exceptionally well in the league last season and missed out on the top spot on the Absa Premiership log by just one point to the in-form Kaizer Chiefs.
Although credit was given to the club's head coach at the time, Cavin Johnson, Dikwena players have been showing that they are prepared to sweat for the club's badge on any given day.
Don't get me wrong, Johnson did outstandingly as Stars' coach and deserved the recognition for his work and vast knowledge of the game.
With the way Stars' players have adapted under Freese this season and with their undisputed commitment it shows that Vuyo Mere and his teammates are prepared to work with anyone in order to succeed.
Stars have enough experience in their team to guide the side to success in the near future. The influence of the senior players, like Mere, Benson Mhlongo, Robert Ng'ambi, Elias Ngwepe and Henrico Botes, to name a few, is showing in the performances of the team, making Stars one of the most exciting teams to watch in the PSL.
Younger players like Mogakolodi Ngele and Siphelele Mthembu are showing improvement with each game.
Mthembu, who has been scoring goals for Stars this season and was recently rewarded with a call-up to the national team, sings the praises of Ngele, one of the players responsible for supplying him with the passes to score from.
"God has shown Himself in Tsotso. He is so humble and down to earth. He is working hard. He is one of the best players in the PSL in terms of ability and technique. Everything is there in him. Honestly, he is a good player," said Mthembu.
Fans can expect to be watch an entertaining game on Saturday as Dikwena attempt to oust Bucs and win their first trophy since 2006.
With their cup pedigree and huge following, there is no way that Pirates will allow Stars to dictate the flow of play and control the possession stakes as they did against Wits on their way to the final.
One thing is for sure, there has to be a winner at the magnificent Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend.
Football fans, do you think that Stars can cause an upset against high-flying Pirates in the 2013 MTN8 final?
It's all in the name of the beautiful game,
Masebe Qina
Follow Masebe on Twitter: @MasebeQina
