Pirates’ defensive strength faces stern Sundowns test in MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates’ disciplined defence will face its toughest examination of the season when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Pirates have conceded only one goal in seven league matches this season, continuing a remarkable defensive record under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The club have allowed eight goals in 28 games this year, and former Pirates defender Edward “Magents” Motale believes that defensive resilience has been built on discipline instilled by Ouaddou.

“Coach Ouaddou has instilled discipline in this team. With discipline, it’s very hard to concede. He was a defender in his playing days, so he hates conceding, and that has rubbed off on the players,” Motale told Sowetan.

“These days, Pirates defenders hardly get yellow cards, and that tells you how disciplined this team is.”

Ouaddou played as a defender during his career and represented several prominent European clubs, including Olympiacos and Fulham.

Motale also praised Pirates’ scouting department for identifying defenders capable of fitting seamlessly into the team. He highlighted Lebone Seema and Sibangani Zulu as examples of what he described as “proper scouting”.

“Look at Seema; he’s being brilliant, and when he was still at TS Galaxy, only a few people noticed him. He’s been paired with [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi [before he was sold to Chicago Fire last December], Sibisi and Zulu [who joined from Richards Bay before this season started] of late, but he’s hardly put a foot wrong,” Motale said.

“Zulu has hit the ground running… he’s done well playing with Seema at the heart of defence when Sibisi was absent. So, the way Pirates have scouted these players must also be applauded.”

Pirates won the league title for the first time in 14 years last season, and Motale believes their defensive record could be central to their attempt to retain it.

“If you don’t concede, you win a lot of games, so I really think this solid defence will help the club retain the league title,” he said. “It [being solid at the back] also gives confidence to strikers to do their job up front.”

Sundowns represent a significant challenge in the final, which kicks off at 6pm on Saturday. They are the last side to defeat Pirates, winning 2-1 in a league match at FNB Stadium in February.

Fewest goals conceded in PSL history at the end of the season

– 2003/04 and 2023/24: Chiefs and Sundowns, 11 each – 2025/26: Pirates, 12 – 2022/23: Sundowns, 13 – 2014/15, 2020/21 and 2024/25: Chiefs and Sundowns, 14 each, with the latter achieved in the two latest seasons – 2002/03: Pirates, 16