Orlando Pirates reach fifth straight MTN8 final with Sekhukhune win

Orlando Pirates moved within one win of a fifth consecutive MTN8 title after beating Sekhukhune United 3-0 on Saturday to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory and book their place in the final.

Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Polokwane, the Buccaneers wrapped up the semi-final before half-time at Orlando Stadium through goals from Thapelo Mokobodi and Ghampani Lungu, before Kamogelo Sebelebele added a third in stoppage time.

The result keeps Pirates on course to extend their dominance in South Africa’s premier knockout competition, with either Golden Arrows or Mamelodi Sundowns awaiting them in the 2026 final on 10 October.

Pirates made a bright start and could have gained an even greater advantage when Sekhukhune left-back D’Angelo Kazeem, already booked, escaped a second yellow card after pulling back Lungu. The defender was later substituted before risking a dismissal.

Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata kept his side in the contest with a fine reflex save to deny Mokobodi’s header from a corner in the 28th minute.

The breakthrough came nine minutes later when Mokobodi arrived late in the penalty area to convert Yanela Mbuthuma’s low cross and double Pirates’ aggregate lead.

The hosts struck again just two minutes later with a devastating counter-attack from a Sekhukhune corner. Oswin Appollis drove the move forward before Mbuthuma set up Lungu, who fired home from inside the box to make it 2-0 on the day.

With the tie effectively settled, Pirates eased off after the break and allowed Sekhukhune more possession.

Sipho Chaine produced important saves to deny Siyabonga Ndlozi and Mpho Rammala, while Sbangani Zulu made a crucial block to stop Bright Ndlovu as the visitors searched for a way back.

Pirates regained control in the closing stages, with substitute Tshepang Moremi denied by Nsabata before Sebelebele completed an impressive team move with a composed finish deep into stoppage time.

The victory sends Pirates into yet another MTN8 final as they bid to lift the trophy for a fifth season in a row.