Mamelodi Sundowns end Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 reign with 2-0 final victory

Mamelodi Sundowns ended Orlando Pirates’ four-year dominance of the MTN8 with a 2-0 victory in a pulsating final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.

Pirates, officially the home side at the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, had been aiming to win the first domestic cup of the South African football calendar for a fifth successive season.

They faced the champions of Africa, who had also recently secured an international title by beating Asian champions Al Ahli Jeddah before the two-and-a-half-week break for international football.

The two clubs supplied much of the South Africa national team squad during that period, with the national side winning all three of Pitso Mosimane’s opening matches since his return for a second spell in charge.

Both teams had concerns over injuries during the break. Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi was among those affected, while Sundowns were monitoring Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba.

All three players passed their fitness tests and started, leaving both sides close to full strength. Pirates also welcomed the return of Thalente Mbatha in midfield, while Abdeslam Ouaddou surprisingly selected Simphwe Selepe to join Thapelo Mokobodi and Mbatha in a midfield trio.

Sundowns made the stronger start but took only 11 minutes to open the scoring. Modiba delivered a whipped free-kick into the area, where Mokoena appeared to make contact before Thabang Matuludi collected the loose ball and back-heeled it between Lebone Seema’s legs. Mokoena then followed up to tap in.

Sipho Chaine’s performance prevented the deficit from becoming greater before half-time. The Pirates goalkeeper produced four clear-cut saves as Sundowns controlled possession and created a series of opportunities.

At the other end, Ronwen Williams had little to do until the 38th minute. Sundowns’ approach was effective both with and without the ball, as head coach Miguel Cardoso’s tactics restricted Pirates’ normally fluid midfield and pushed them towards the wide areas.

Williams denies Pirates

Pirates began the second half with greater urgency, but Williams became increasingly influential. He made three important saves, including a penalty stop in the 61st minute to deny Giamphani Lungu.

Sundowns had a chance to settle the contest when Brayan Leon was released by Tashreeq Matthews after a mazy run through the Pirates defence, but he missed when presented with an opportunity against the run of play.

Williams was then required to make another crucial save as Pirates continued to threaten.

The tie opened up into an end-to-end contest before Sundowns finally secured victory with a late penalty converted by Iqraam Rayners.

The result gave Mamelodi Sundowns their first MTN8 title in five years and ended Orlando Pirates’ hopes of claiming the trophy for a fifth consecutive season.