Pirates Chase Historic Fifth MTN8 Crown as Sundowns Prepare to Spoil the Party
Orlando Pirates stand on the brink of making MTN8 history, but Mamelodi Sundowns will be determined to end their dominance when the two South African football heavyweights meet in the 2026 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The blockbuster encounter kicks off at 18:00 on 10 October, with more than 50,000 fans expected at the sold-out Durban venue and R10 million in prize money at stake.
Pirates, the designated home team, are chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title after lifting the trophy in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Saturday’s encounter will also mark their fifth successive appearance in the final, further underlining their recent dominance of the competition.
Sundowns, meanwhile, are targeting their first MTN8 crown since 2021 as they look to add domestic silverware to their recent continental success.
Different Routes to the Final
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Pirates have enjoyed a strong MTN8 campaign. They edged Durban City 2–1 after extra time in the quarter-finals before overpowering Sekhukhune United 4–0 on aggregate in the semifinals, winning both legs.
The Buccaneers also arrive in Durban unbeaten in their last 11 MTN8 matches, giving them a formidable record to defend.
Sundowns have faced a tougher journey. They needed extra time to defeat Polokwane City 3–2 in the quarter-finals before surviving a dramatic semifinal against Golden Arrows. After losing the first leg 1–0, Masandawana responded with a 3–2 victory in Umlazi to advance 3–3 on aggregate via the away-goals rule.
A Repeat of the 2023 Final
Saturday’s showdown revives memories of the 2023 MTN8 final, when Pirates defeated Sundowns 3–1 on penalties after a goalless draw at the same venue.
Moses Mabhida Stadium has become a familiar stage for the competition’s showpiece, with both clubs having enjoyed success there.
Pirates will seek to extend their remarkable winning run, while Sundowns have the quality, squad depth and experience to disrupt their rivals’ quest for another trophy.
Durban Ready for a Football Spectacle
The rapid sell-out of tickets highlights the excitement surrounding the final, which is expected to bring a significant boost to Durban’s tourism and local economy.
With history on the line for Pirates and redemption driving Sundowns, the stage is set for a compelling contest between two of the Premier Soccer League’s leading clubs.
Will Pirates make history with a fifth consecutive MTN8 crown, or can Sundowns end the Buccaneers’ reign and return to the top of the competition? The answer awaits under the Durban lights.
Pirates Chase Historic Fifth MTN8 Crown as Sundowns Prepare to Spoil the Party (Image: Mamelodi Sundowns)