Mamelodi Sundowns set five records as Miguel Cardoso’s perfect run continues

Saturday’s MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates delivered five notable statistical milestones, reshaping several records in South African football.

The result ended Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten domestic-cup record in open play under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Before the final, the Moroccan had guided the Soweto club to 10 wins and three draws in domestic cup competitions, meaning this was the first such defeat of his tenure.

Sundowns also strengthened their record against Pirates in finals during the PSL era. They have now won three of their five final meetings with the Buccaneers, giving them a 3-2 record.

That is Sundowns’ best winning record against any opponent they have faced more than once in a final during the PSL era. Their latest success further underlined their effectiveness against Pirates on major occasions.

Cardoso maintains unbeaten record

Miguel Cardoso’s unbeaten record against Ouaddou has now reached five matches in all competitions.

The Sundowns coach has won two of those meetings and drawn the other three. Sundowns have also scored first in every one of the five matches between the two managers, maintaining their early advantage in each contest.

The final produced another significant milestone involving Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha.

Pirates’ defeat ended a remarkable run in which they had not lost a match started by Mbatha since May 2025. It was the first time during that period that the club had been beaten with him in the starting line-up.

That brought to an end the longest unbeaten streak achieved by any Orlando Pirates player in PSL history. Mbatha had been a pivotal figure for the Buccaneers throughout the run.

Cardoso reaches 100-game landmark

The MTN8 final was Cardoso’s 101st match in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Across his first 100 games as head coach, the Portuguese has recorded a 64% win rate. That is the highest figure achieved by any coach during their opening 100 matches with the club.

The statistic highlights Cardoso’s impact since taking charge at Chloorkop and provides another record from a final that produced a series of notable landmarks for both clubs and their managers.