As the clock ticks closer to the MTN8 final this weekend, Orlando Pirates stand in line to bag their fifth straight final win in the tournament, while Mamelodi Sundowns coach Daniel Cardoso hopes to end his domestic trophy duck when the two sides battle at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 6pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
Pirates will enter the MTN8 final in rich form, sitting in second-position in the Betway Premiership after notching a 2-0 away win against Marumo Gallants shortly before the international break.
The Soweto giants recorded six wins from their first seven league matches and are just one point behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who claimed six wins and two draws from eight matches so far.
The Tshwane giants last took part in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup second-round, as they secured a 2-1 win over Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli at Loftus Versfeld on 19 September to lift the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
In the MTN8 showpiece, Pirates made their way into the final after a largely one-sided 4-0 aggregate win against Sekhukhune United over two-legs, while Sundowns advanced with a 3-3 aggregate score against Golden Arrows in their semifinal assignment as the Brazilians won on the away goals rule.
The last five #MTN8 matches between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns 👀 They meet again on Saturday. #SSDiski https://t.co/rBGQRE9ZUH
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 8, 2026
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking ahead of the final, Cardoso stressed the importance of taking their season one game at a time in what will be his first crack at domestic silverware.
"We know the responsibility of a match like this, we want to do well”, Cardoso said.
"For (some) us, as the coaching staff, we have never played a (domestic) cup final so obviously it is an important moment for us.
"The objective we have to consider in our preparations is the risk involved — for example, using players who are not 100 per cent."
"But when we go for this match, we will go with full intention, full commitment; we understand what is at stake, and we will obviously want to continue the season in the best way."
16 coaches have won the #MTN8 since 2008. Will Miguel Cardoso join this list of coaches on Saturday? #SSDiski https://t.co/IsFlTaqaXH
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 7, 2026
As for Pirates coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, the outspoken figure believes that the Sea Robbers need to start well to give themselves the best opportunity to win the match.
"For me there are key moments in the game – how you start the game, how you can give trust to the whole team,” the Pirates coach said.
“I always say the first 15 minutes are very important in a game. And of course, in cup games you don’t want to concede.
"It is a direct elimination, and you have to be focused."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates: Oswin Appollis – Appollis has been a central figure for Pirates during the last couple of seasons as he operates as one of the best midfielders in the PSL currently. While he remains ever present for club and country, Appollis is one of many big-game figures for Pirates and is expected to throw his weight around the pitch against a possession-heavy Downs outfit.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Ronwen Williams – Much like that of Appollis, Williams is undoubtedly a key player for Sundowns in major encounters. Known for his shot-stopping and distribution abilities, the Bafana Bafana star’s leadership will be crucial during high-pressure moments this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Cup games: 35
Orlando Pirates wins: 12
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 9
Draws: 44
HEAD-TO-HEAD OVERALL
Games: 118
Orlando Pirates wins: 34
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 48