By McGeorge Mbare
SOUTH African football giants Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set for a spectacular showdown in the MTN8 final, scheduled for Saturday, 10 October 2026, in Durban.
Orlando Pirates goes to the final as one of the country’s most formidable cup sides, having enjoyed remarkable success in domestic knockout competitions in recent years.
Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, remain a dominant force on the African continent, despite missing out on domestic silverware last season.
The Buccaneers will be aiming to extend their remarkable run by securing an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title, while Sundowns will be eager to overcome their troubled history in the competition and add another trophy to their cabinet.
For all their dominance in league football, the Brazilians have often found knockout competitions a tougher challenge.
However, their success in the CAF Champions League final in May 2026, when they secured a second star on their badge, will provide a significant confidence boost heading into Saturday’s showdown.
Since their first MTN8 final appearance in 1988, Sundowns have reached the final 11 times, losing seven of those encounters.
Their four triumphs make them the third-most successful club in the competition’s history, behind Kaizer Chiefs, with 15 titles, and Orlando Pirates, with 14.
This record means Sundowns have won just over one-third of the finals they have contested, with their victories coming in 1988, 1990, 2007 and 2021 ,while Orlando Pirates have won the MTN8 title 14 times, with their triumphs coming in 1972, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2010, 2011, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Sundowns’s seven final defeats are the most suffered by any club in the competition, underlining the heartbreak they have endured over the years.
Four of Sundowns’ finals have been decided by penalty shootouts, but they have managed just one victory, against Cape Town City in 2021.
They suffered shootout defeats to Kaizer Chiefs in 2001 and 2008, as well as to Orlando Pirates in 2023.
Sundowns’ struggles in the competition are particularly striking given their sustained dominance of domestic football.
Their last MTN8 final victory in regulation time came in 2007, when they edged Orlando Pirates 1-0.
This means they have gone 19 years without winning an MTN8 final within 90 minutes.
Their heaviest defeat in an MTN8 final came in 2016, when they were beaten 3-0 by Wits University.
As the two giants prepare to meet in Durban, Pirates will be determined to maintain their cup dominance, while Sundowns will be looking to rewrite their MTN8 history.
With pride, silverware and bragging rights at stake, Saturday’s final promises to be a compelling battle between two of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.
Sundowns also have a strong connection with Zimbabwean football, as the club is home to Zimbabwean defender Devine Lunga and was previously home to several Zimbabwean stars, including Cuthbert Malajila, Khama Billiat and Esrom Nyandoro.
Orlando Pirates have also been home to several Zimbabwean footballers, including Tendai Ndoro, Marshall Munetsi, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Terrence Dzvukamanja.