Sundowns seek MTN8 revenge as Pirates chase historic fifth straight title

Mamelodi Sundowns’ status as Africa’s strongest club will be tested on Saturday when they face Orlando Pirates in a sold-out MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The two-time Caf Champions League winners and current holders have established themselves as the continent’s dominant side, while also making an impact internationally through their Fifa Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup campaigns.

Yet their domestic knockout record has not matched their remarkable league achievements. Manqoba Mngqithi, Rhulani Mokwena and Miguel Cardoso have each guided Sundowns to the Betway Premiership title, adding to the five won by Pitso Mosimane and completing an unprecedented eight successive championships.

Those league triumphs were secured by sizeable margins and with matches remaining, but cup success has been far less consistent. A Mauricio Affonso double delivered the 2019 Telkom Knockout, Gaston Sirino scored the only goal in the following year’s Nedbank Cup final, and Sundowns won the MTN8 in 2021. Thapelo Morena’s extra-time goal then secured the 2022 Nedbank Cup and completed a treble.

Their most painful recent setback came against newcomers Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout. That defeat contributed to Mngqithi’s dismissal and Cardoso’s appointment.

Cardoso’s primary objective was to win the Champions League, a target he has now achieved. With the Fifa Intercontinental Cup also secured, Sundowns are seeking their first domestic trophy of the season.

Standing in their way are an Orlando Pirates side aiming to win the MTN8 for a record fifth consecutive time. Pirates ended Sundowns’ 14-year wait for the league title last season, edging them by one point, and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou became the first Sundowns manager in nine years to miss out on the championship.

The final therefore carries an added sense of reprisal for Cardoso and Sundowns.

International players return

Both clubs will be strengthened by the return of their internationals following three weeks away with Bafana Bafana. The players helped Pitso Mosimane begin his return as national coach with victories over Guinea and Eritrea, a 2-1 win and a 5-0 victory respectively, leaving South Africa six points clear at the top of Group D in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

After Bafana Bafana’s friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium tonight, Cardoso will have Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Iqraam Rayners, Fawaaz Basadien, Cassius Mailula, Themba Zwane, Tashreeq Matthews, Thabang Motuludi, Ricardo Goss and Khulumani Ndamane available again.

Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena are carrying injuries, although Mokoena is expected to recover before the final.

Ouaddou will also welcome back Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Oswin Appollis, Thabang Moremi, Lebone Seema, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma.

Pirates have won nine trophies over the past four years, including Nedbank Cups, a Carling Knockout and four MTN8s. Their hopes will partly rest on goalkeeper Chaine, the reigning goalkeeper of the season, who has conceded once in seven league matches this campaign.

Pirates will also hope Bryan Leon, who has scored three league goals, does not open his account in this competition. The Colombian has provided only one assist in the MTN8.

Two leading South African clubs, packed with internationals and managed by top-quality coaches, will meet before a full house at the 56,000-capacity venue in Durban.