Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night, ending the Buccaneers’ title defence and handing coach Miguel Cardoso his first domestic trophy with the Tshwane side.
Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners, one in each half, secured the victory for Sundowns and denied Pirates an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
Pirates started brightly but struggled to turn their early possession into clear-cut chances. Sundowns capitalised on a failure to clear their lines from a set-piece situation, with Mokoena scoring from close range in the 11th minute.
The Brazilians threatened to extend their lead before halftime, but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced important saves to deny Brayan León and Nuno Santos.
Pirates introduced Oswin Appollis at the start of the second half after Sebelebele was forced off with an injury. The Buccaneers pushed for an equaliser and were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute after Mokoena was penalised for pulling Yanela Mbuthuma inside the box.
However, Gamphani Lungu failed to convert from the spot as Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams dived to his left to make a crucial save.
Pirates continued to press, with Thalente Mbatha and Deon Hotto coming close to scoring, but Williams stood firm to preserve Sundowns’ advantage.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Sundowns were awarded a penalty following a challenge on Siyanda Ndlovu. Rayners converted in the 90+4th minute to seal the 2-0 victory.
Ouaddou reflects on missed opportunity
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admitted that his side started too cautiously and paid the price for conceding early, repeating a pattern he had hoped to correct.
The French-Moroccan coach identified Lungu’s missed penalty as the turning point, believing an equaliser would have changed the complexion of the contest.
I think the real momentum of the game, it was the penalty. I think if we managed to come to 1-1, I think the game could have been with another physiognomy,” Ouaddou said.
He acknowledged that Pirates’ search for an equaliser left spaces for Sundowns to exploit, adding that his team could have conceded more goals despite creating opportunities of their own.
Despite the disappointment of losing the final, Ouaddou praised the quality and intensity of the encounter, describing both sides as among the best teams in South African football.
He also highlighted positives from his squad and the contributions of young talents such as Selepe, while insisting there was little to criticise about his players’ commitment.
There is a lot of education in that game for us because I have seen really some quality players in my side,” he said.
Ouaddou also congratulated Sundowns on their victory and promised that the Buccaneers would recover from the setback.
Cardoso praises Sundowns’ resilience
For Cardoso, the victory was particularly significant given the challenges Sundowns faced in preparing for the final.
The Portuguese coach explained that the three-week international break disrupted preparations, with some players returning without sufficient training or match fitness.
He also acknowledged that Pirates’ intensity at the beginning of matches required Sundowns to remain disciplined, particularly when dealing with the Buccaneers’ quick attacking transitions.
It was a difficult start because some of our players didn’t play, didn’t even almost train recently,” Cardoso said.
He explained that adjustments at halftime helped Sundowns improve their positioning and retain possession, limiting the spaces Pirates could exploit.
Cardoso praised his players for maintaining their composure and working collectively through difficult moments, saying their ability to manage mistakes and emotions was crucial to securing the trophy.
The coach also acknowledged Williams’ contribution, with the goalkeeper’s penalty save proving pivotal before Rayners converted from the spot at the other end to seal the result.
It was a fair, difficult victory, very difficult, respect by our opponent, respect by what they do on the pitch,” Cardoso said.
“I think we were fair, deserved to win and to take the trophy. It was time already to take it again. Something that we defined as an objective in the beginning of the season.”
The triumph gives Sundowns an early domestic trophy in the 2026/27 campaign, but Cardoso warned against complacency, with the club’s CAF Champions League commitments and Carling Knockout campaign approaching.
He urged his players to remain humble, focused and ambitious as they pursue further silverware.
For Sundowns, the MTN8 success represents the achievement of an early-season objective. For Pirates, the defeat offers lessons to take forward as they shift their attention to the remaining competitions.