Teboho Mokoena leads Mamelodi Sundowns to MTN8 victory despite family tragedy

Teboho Mokoena overcame a deeply painful fortnight to help Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2–0 and win the MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The midfielder opened the scoring in the first half before Iqraam Rayners converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure Sundowns’ first MTN8 title since 2021 and their first domestic cup success since 2022.

Mokoena had been a doubt after suffering an injury while on international duty with Bafana Bafana, but passed a late fitness test to take his place in the starting line-up.

He then delivered an influential performance in the centre of the pitch, helping Sundowns control the match alongside Marcelo Allende and, after the interval, substitute Thabo Cele.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the final, Mokoena said he had also been dealing with a family crisis while preparing for the match.

“It’s been a terrible two weeks for me,” he said. “I lost my grandfather, and just before the game against Guinea, my brother was stabbed multiple times. He’s in hospital right now. So, I hope that justice will be served. I am happy, but inside I am hurting.”

Mokoena’s evening could have taken a different turn after he gave Sundowns the lead. The midfielder conceded a penalty in the second half for pushing Yanela Mbuthuma inside the area.

However, Ghampani Lungu was unable to convert the opportunity, with Sundowns captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams making the save. It was Williams’ first clean sheet of the tournament and came in the final, preserving his side’s advantage at a crucial moment.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso praised both Mokoena and Williams for their contributions.

“Obviously, we needed the best from our goalkeeper. We know the goalkeeper that we have,” Cardoso said. “We needed the best from our senior players as well.”

The victory means Sundowns have now collected three trophies this year. Their haul includes the CAF Champions League and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, which was their most recent match before Saturday’s fixture in Durban.

Cardoso will now hope the commitment shown by Mokoena is matched by the rest of the squad as Sundowns turn their attention to the Betway Premiership.

Their next match is against Richards Bay on Tuesday night, when the club begins its bid to reclaim the league title.