The highly anticipated MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns is set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The match is sold out, with both teams vying for the first domestic title of the season. A win for either team would be significant, as the Buccaneers chase an unprecedented fifth trophy in succession, while Masandawana look to end a four-year drought in domestic knockout cups.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is taking charge of his first domestic cup final since arriving at the club in 2024 and will be eager to guide them to their fifth MTN8 cup. Masandawana last won the tournament in 2021. The team's players, including Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, and Tashreeq Matthews, will be looking to make amends after losing the Nedbank Cup decider to Pirates two years ago.
The Buccaneers are appearing in a record fifth consecutive MTN8 final, having won the past four editions. A victory would bring their total top-eight trophies to 15, equalling the record set by their rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. This achievement would be a significant milestone for the team, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in South African football.
Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the final for the 11th time, with the Buccaneers enjoying previous success in this venue. In seven appearances in the competition, they won five and lost twice. The stadium's history and the team's past successes could give them an edge in the match.
Pirates and Sundowns have met in the top eight final twice before. Sundowns won 1-0 in 2007, when the tournament was called SAA Super Eight, and the Buccaneers clinched the 2023 edition. The two teams have a history of intense competition, and this match is expected to be no exception.
The Buccaneers will have six players from the 2024 team, including Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa. Meanwhile, Sundowns will have 12 players who lost the Nedbank Cup decider to Pirates two years ago, including Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane, who will be eager to make a difference in this match.
The stage is set for an exciting match, with both teams determined to emerge victorious. The sold-out crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium will add to the electric atmosphere, as the two teams battle it out for the MTN8 title. The match promises to be an intense and thrilling encounter.
Key points
- The Buccaneers are chasing an unprecedented fifth trophy in succession.
- Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is taking charge of his first domestic cup final since arriving at the club in 2024.
- A win for either team would be significant, as the Buccaneers chase a record-equalling 15th top-eight trophy, while Masandawana look to end a four-year drought in domestic knockout cups.
