Orlando Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2026 MTN8 final on Saturday at 18:00 in Durban. Pirates are chasing a fifth MTN8 title in a row, something no club has done. Sundowns arrive with injury doubts in midfield after the international break. The last time these two met in this final, in 2023, it finished 0-0 and went to penalties. That history is the main reason we think the 90-minute draw deserves serious attention.
Match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Competition | MTN8 final, 2026 |
| Date and kick-off | Saturday 10 October 2026, 18:00 SAST |
| Venue | Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban |
| Tickets | Sold out |
How they got here
Orlando Pirates
Pirates beat Sekhukhune United comfortably over two legs in the semi-final. That made them the first club to reach five MTN8 finals in a row. They have won each of their last five finals. Their only defeats in the MTN8 era came in 2013 against Platinum Stars and in 2014 against Kaizer Chiefs.
This will be Pirates’ 21st final in the competition, which draws them level with Chiefs for the most appearances. They have won 14 of their previous 20. A win on Saturday would give them 15 titles, level with Chiefs at the top of the winners’ list.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns did it the hard way. They lost the semi-final first leg 1-0 at home to Golden Arrows, which was their first home defeat in more than a year. In the second leg in Durban they won 3-2 and went through 3-3 on aggregate on away goals. Their MTN8 record has been patchy for years. Their last title came in 2021, also at Moses Mabhida Stadium, when they beat Cape Town City.
Head to head in MTN8 finals
These two clubs have met in the final twice before.
| Year | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Sundowns 1-0 Pirates | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2023 | 0-0 after extra time, Pirates won on penalties | Orlando Pirates |
Durban has been a good venue for Pirates. Moses Mabhida Stadium has hosted the final 11 times since 2008, more than anywhere else. Saturday will be Pirates’ eighth final there, and they have won five of the previous seven.
Team news
Sundowns injury worries
Coach Miguel Cardoso has three players carrying injuries from Bafana Bafana duty during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- Bathusi Aubaas came off after 12 minutes against Eritrea in Cairo. Early reports suggest he will not be fit for the final.
- Teboho Mokoena was injured against Guinea. Reports suggest it may be less serious than first feared, and he is in a race to be ready.
- Aubrey Modiba was also injured against Guinea. His availability is uncertain.
Mokoena and Modiba are regular starters, so losing either of them would change how Sundowns set up.
Pirates team news
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says several injured players are back training and making progress. He would not confirm whether Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, Sihle Nduli, Makhehleni Makhaula, Kabelo Dlamini or Andre de Jong will be involved. Pirates are also still adjusting to life without Relebohile Mofokeng, who left during the transfer window.
What the pundits are saying
Former Pirates and Chiefs striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has tipped Pirates to win 3-1. Former MTN8 winner Linda Mntambo also backs Pirates, predicting 2-1. Former Pirates defender Lucky Lekgwathi thinks Pirates’ quick attack can hurt a Sundowns side that likes to play out from the back.
Our read on the final
Pirates have the cup record, the venue record and a fuller squad if their injured players return. Sundowns have more individual quality but come in with midfield doubts, and their semi-final showed they can be got at.
The angle that stands out to us is the draw after 90 minutes. Most match bets, including the 1X2 market, settle on the score after 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties do not count. This is a tight final between two heavyweights, and the 2023 meeting was 0-0 after 120 minutes. If you would rather back a team, Pirates or draw (double chance) covers both the 90-minute draw and a Pirates win.
We have not quoted odds here because prices for the final are still moving. Check the latest Pirates vs Sundowns prices before you bet.
