Orlando Pirates name starting XI for 2026 MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have confirmed their starting line-up for the 2026 MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on this evening.

The match is being played in KwaZulu-Natal, where protests have taken place on the streets, but the disruptive backdrop has not halted the contest for the R10 million prize and the MTN8 trophy.

Pirates enter the final unbeaten at the start of the new season. The 14-time MTN8 winners are second in the league table and have also reached the second round of the CAF Champions League.

They began their MTN8 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena. The decisive goal came deep into extra time, with new signing Ghampani Lungu scoring in the 120th minute.

The Buccaneers then progressed to the final in convincing fashion, beating Sekhukhune United in both legs of their semi-final and completing a 4-0 aggregate win.

Pirates have also won their past two finals against Sundowns. Their first of those victories came in the 2023 MTN8 final, when they prevailed 3-1 on penalties after the match finished goalless following 120 minutes.

A year later, Pirates defeated Sundowns 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final in Nelspruit.

Victory on this occasion would take Pirates level with Kaizer Chiefs’ record of 15 MTN8 trophies.

Orlando Pirates starting XI

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

Substitutes

Dladla, Zulu, Ndaba, Mthiyane, Masilela, Nkota, Kgotsitsile, Appollis, Makgopa