Sundowns chase elusive MTN8 title

Mamelodi Sundowns have been the dominant force in South African football over the previous five or so years, but the one trophy that has eluded them for much longer than that is the MTN8.

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The Brazilians are enjoying their greatest period as a club, having emerged as the finest side in South Africa, perhaps ever.

But amid all that joy and silverware, they have not won the MTN8 competition for the last 14 years, since a Brent Carelse goal secured a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates in what was then known as the SAA Supa 8.

They will hope to change that when they clash with Cape Town City in Saturday’s decider at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

In fact, they have only three wins in this competition in their history, well behind the likes of Kaizer Chiefs (15 wins) and Orlando Pirates (10).

They have appeared in nine finals in all, and their 33 per cent win ratio is a disappointing return. SuperSport.com takes a brief look at all their final appearances in the MTN8 competition since their first 33 years ago.

1988: The final ended in a 1-1 draw between Arcadia Shepherds and Sundowns. The Brazilians then won the replay at the Rand Stadium with Lovemore Chafunya scoring the only goal.

1990: Sundowns won 5-0 on aggregate by beating Wits 2-0 in Atteridgeville and 3-0 at Soccer City after the competition reverted to a two-legged final. Bennett Masinga (2), Chafunya, Andries Chitja and Zane Moosa were the scorers.

1992: A late winner in the final as Donald Khuse’s goal gave Chiefs a 1-0 win over Sundowns at Soccer City.

1994: The decider went into extra time before delivering a winner, with Zimbabwe import Mike Maringa scoring to give Chiefs a narrow 3-2 triumph over Sundowns.

2001: It took 14 penalties before Chiefs edged Sundowns 7-6 on spot-kicks following a 2-2 draw in the final. The decisive miss came from Michael Manzini.

2002: Santos scored twice in the first half to record an easy 2-0 win over Sundowns at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

2007: Brent Carelse scored the only goal of the game as Sundowns beat Pirates 1-0 in Durban.

2008: Sundowns returned to the decider but were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Chiefs after a 0-0 draw.

2016: Bidvest Wits ran riot to thump Sundowns 3-0 in the final in what was a real off-day for coach Pitso Mosimane’s side.