Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns chase R10m MTN8 prize in Durban final

Orlando Pirates begin their bid for a record fifth successive MTN8 title against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 18:00 and R10 million at stake.

The final marks the return of South African domestic football after an extended international break and offers the country’s two leading sides the first piece of silverware of the season.

Pirates have won the previous four editions, while Sundowns are attempting to claim a trophy that has eluded them in recent years.

Durban provided ideal conditions for the occasion, with bright sunshine over Moses Mabhida Stadium during the build-up. Supporters also arrived in good time, avoiding the last-minute rush often seen before major fixtures.

There was a strong sense of camaraderie between the two groups of fans. Sundowns supporters hoped their side would add domestic success to its recent achievements on the continent, while the Pirates faithful were confident their team’s dominance of the MTN8 would continue.

Kaizer Chiefs are not involved in the final, although some of their supporters were among those at the stadium.

Teams

Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto, Sebelebele, Mbatha, Mokobodi, Selepe, Lungu, Moremi, Mbuthuma.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Ndamane, Matuludi, Khoza, Morena, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Santos, Matthews, Leon.

The match presents another tactical contest between Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou and Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso.

The clubs have been the most successful teams in South African football over the past decade, sharing much of the available silverware while playing with sustained quality and authority.

Pirates, however, have had the advantage in domestic cup competitions. They have won seven trophies in the past four seasons and ended Sundowns’ eight-year run of dominance last season.

They have also beaten the Brazilians in two cup finals during the past five years: the MTN8 final in 2023 and the Nedbank Cup final in 2024. Sundowns will therefore be aiming to succeed at the third attempt when the sides meet in Durban.

Grant Kekana said Sundowns were focused on improving rather than seeking revenge.

“It’s not personal,” the Sundowns defender said. “We don’t like personalising games. I think it’s just more about us doing better than we did last season.

“We had a good start to the season, so we just want to keep the momentum. We are highly motivated and all positive. All the players have been getting a chance, so I don’t think we are far off from one another as teams.

“It’s just about us implementing what we know and have been working on so that we get a positive result this weekend.”

Both teams are unbeaten this season, lead the Betway Premiership and are one tie away from reaching the CAF Champions League group stage.

Many of their players also work together for Bafana Bafana, creating a relationship that continues beyond club rivalry.

“The brotherhood has helped us a lot in terms of understanding each other – even as rivals,” Kekana said. “Football has evolved. It used to be a physical battle, but now it’s about who gets it right tactically.

“So, it’s going to be another one of those. We just hope it’s going to be an enjoyable game for the neutrals and especially our supporters. We are going to leave everything on the field – even a piece of our skin.”