Masterful MTN8 success: looking back at 2015

Almost 10 years ago, the Urban Warriors went on a Cinderella-run, storming through the competition to claim the MTN8 title for the first time in the club’s history. 

The club finished fifth in the Absa Premiership in the 2014/15 season, registering 44 points from 30 games and thus qualifying for the exclusive MTN8 competition which took place at the start of the 2015/16 season.  

The Urban Warriors’ campaign began on 4 August 2015 when they faced Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals at Orlando Stadium, pulling off a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Ndiviwe Mdabuka goal in the 55th minute. 

The Cape outfit could not overcome Bidvest Wits in their quarterfinal match up, drawing 1-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch as Henrico Botes equalised in the 74th minute. 

The replay at Bidvest Wits Stadium two weeks later yielded a better result, with Nathan Paulse netting in the 25th minute to send the Urban Warriors to the final. 

In the final, Kaizer Chiefs were favoured heavily having won the league in the 2014/15 season. The first half ended goalless but in the 56th minute, Paulse struck to give the Urban Warriors the lead, which they managed to hold onto until the final whistle. 

The MTN8 title was the last piece of silverware to grace the club’s cabinet.