Mamelodi Sundowns aim to end Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 dominance

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to halt Orlando Pirates’ run of four successive MTN8 titles when they begin their campaign against Polokwane City on Saturday night.

Pirates are seeking a record-extending fifth Wafa Wafa Cup in a row, but Sundowns appear the stronger contenders based on last season’s performances across competitions and the greater continuity within their squad.

Pirates made a positive start to their Betway Premiership title defence, beating Milford FC 2-0. The result lifted morale as they target the defence of all three trophies they won last season, including the Carling Knockout.

But the performance did not suggest that Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side are ready to dominate the league again. Pirates lacked cohesion and fluency, while Milford FC, one of the new teams in the top flight, showed they are capable of competing rather than simply making up the numbers.

Ouaddou was frank in his assessment, acknowledging that his players have not yet fully gelled despite completing more than two weeks of intensive preparation in Marbella, Spain. Their pre-season programme included friendly matches against prominent opposition such as Al-Ittihad.

The Moroccan coach also appeared to highlight a squad-management issue after more than eight new players joined the club. Those additions include Sibangani Zulu, Neo Rapoo, Mthetheleni Mthiyane, Sebastien Pardesen and Bohlale Ngwato.

Ouaddou said the squad must be reduced to a manageable size. Without that adjustment, he warned that Pirates would need at least two training facilities, a situation that would place excessive demands on the coaching staff and would not be sustainable.

Pirates may need more depth than they had last season, particularly with domestic and continental commitments, but the coach will also need a settled group he can trust. Retaining the league title remains the main objective, although progress in every competition, including the CAF Champions League, will also be important.

Continental results will be a significant measure of Pirates’ progress. They were eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the CAF Champions League last season, prompting early calls for Ouaddou to lose his job. He answered those critics by guiding the club to the MTN8 trophy.

Pirates secured that title across four matches and will hope for another strong start this year. They face Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-final at their home fortress, Orlando Amstel Arena, where expectations will be high.

Their character is likely to face a greater examination as the tournament advances, particularly because of the club’s ambitions and the pressure to defend their trophies.

Sundowns, meanwhile, have been preparing under difficult circumstances following the death of Jayden Adams after he returned from a successful World Cup in North America with Bafana Bafana.

Coach Miguel Cardoso said the club’s intensive training camp in Austria helped lift morale. The time away from home allowed the squad to regroup and focus on the new season.

The Brazilians have not yet played a domestic fixture. Their opening league match against Marumo Gallants was postponed by the PSL following Adams’ passing.

Their MTN8 meeting with Polokwane City will therefore provide Sundowns with their first opportunity to establish momentum. They will also bring an element of unpredictability, having not yet shown their competitive level in domestic football this season.

At the same time, Sundowns retain a strong degree of continuity. They have made only two signings, Siyanda Ndlovu and Antonio Van Wyk, although they released Peter Shalulile. That contrasts with Pirates, who have allowed more than 10 players to leave, including PSL Footballer of the Season Relebohile Mofokeng.

Sundowns’ campaign is focused on reclaiming the league title rather than consolidating their position. Pirates ended their eight-year grip on the championship after Sundowns finished runners-up last season.

A convincing MTN8 opening would therefore serve two purposes: it would give the Brazilians an immediate boost and send a clear warning to Pirates that Sundowns intend to take back the crown.