MTN8 final: Pirates and Sundowns set for another chapter in South Africa’s biggest rivalry

The MTN8 final is now just over a week away, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meeting in a contest between the two dominant teams in South African football over the past decade.

Orlando Pirates have won the league once during that period, finished runners-up five times and placed third twice. They have also collected nine trophies across all competitions in the last 10 years.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ record is even stronger. The club have been crowned league champions eight times, finished second twice and won 17 trophies in all competitions over the same period.

The Brazilians are also the most successful club of the Premier Soccer League era, with approximately 30 trophies to their name.

Victory in the MTN8 final would move Pirates level with Kaizer Chiefs in second place on 21 major trophies. It would also give them the competition for the fifth consecutive year.

The overall record in domestic knockout cup meetings favours Pirates. They have won nine matches between the clubs at any stage of a cup competition, including the 2023 MTN8 final, which they won on penalties, and last season’s semi-final, also decided in a shootout.

Sundowns have five cup victories against Pirates.

However, the balance changes when only finals are considered. Sundowns have won three of the clubs’ final encounters, while Pirates have prevailed twice.

That leaves Pirates with the stronger record across all domestic cup meetings, while Sundowns hold the advantage when the matches have been finals.

Despite their prominence in the domestic game, the clubs have contested only five cup finals in South African football history. Their rivalry in cup competitions dates back to 1971.

Pirates’ first final victory against Sundowns, their second-biggest rivals, did not come until the 2024 Nedbank Cup.

The upcoming MTN8 decider will therefore be the sixth cup final between the clubs. It will offer Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side the chance to bring the finals record level at three victories apiece.

The meeting also adds another chapter to a rivalry shaped by contrasting achievements: Pirates’ broader success in knockout competitions against Sundowns’ superior record in finals and their outstanding haul of league titles.

With the final approaching, the historical record gives both clubs a clear incentive. Pirates can strengthen their recent dominance in the MTN8 and draw level with Kaizer Chiefs for second place on 21 trophies, while Sundowns can extend their lead in cup finals against their long-standing rivals.