Orlando Pirates are just one victory away from achieving something unprecedented in South African football as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final.
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The Buccaneers have turned the competition into their own personal playground, winning the trophy four consecutive times between 2022 and 2025, a record in the tournament’s history.
Now, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have the opportunity to extend that remarkable streak to five when they meet the Brazilians at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
Bet on the MTN8 final as four-time defending champions Orlando Pirates enter as underdogs at 2.90.
It’s a mouthwatering showdown between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs, with Pirates chasing immortality and Sundowns determined to end their rivals’ dominance.
Four Years Of MTN8 Dominance
Pirates’ extraordinary run began in 2022 when a Monnapule Saleng free-kick secured a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu in the final.
The Buccaneers successfully defended their crown in 2023, defeating Sundowns 3-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the hero, saving three penalties to deny the Brazilians the trophy.
In 2024, Pirates made it three in a row with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Soweto giants then made history in 2025, beating Stellenbosch 3-0 after extra time at Mbombela Stadium to become the first team to win four consecutive MTN8 titles.
Their remarkable winning streak:
- 2022: Orlando Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu
- 2023: Orlando Pirates 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns (Pirates won 3-1 on penalties)
- 2024: Orlando Pirates 3-1 Stellenbosch FC
- 2025: Orlando Pirates 3-0 Stellenbosch FC (after extra time)
Four finals. Four victories. Four trophies.
And the Buccaneers aren’t finished yet.
Another Piece Of History Already Secured
Pirates have already broken another record this season by becoming the first club to reach five consecutive MTN8 finals.
Their passage to Saturday’s showpiece came courtesy of a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals.
After winning the first leg 1-0, Pirates produced an impressive performance in the return fixture, with Thapelo Mokobodi, Gamphani Lungu and Kamogelo Sebelebele scoring in a 3-0 victory.
It was another demonstration of the Buccaneers’ ability to deliver when knockout football demands it.
More significantly, a fifth consecutive triumph would take Pirates to 15 titles overall, drawing them level with Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs as the most successful club in the competition’s history.
Chiefs currently lead the all-time standings with 15 titles, while Pirates have 14.
Sundowns Stand Between Pirates And Immortality
Standing in Pirates’ way are familiar foes who have their own reasons for wanting to lift the trophy.
Mamelodi Sundowns haven’t won the MTN8 since 2021, when they defeated Cape Town City on penalties.
Despite their domestic dominance in recent years, the Brazilians have struggled to replicate that success in this particular knockout competition.
Saturday offers them an opportunity to end that drought while simultaneously denying Pirates a historic fifth successive title.
The teams have already contested a memorable final during the Buccaneers’ current winning streak, with Pirates prevailing on penalties in 2023.
That result will provide additional motivation for Sundowns, who reached this year’s final after overcoming Golden Arrows in the semi-finals.
For Pirates, meanwhile, the familiarity of the occasion could be a major advantage.
The Buccaneers won three consecutive MTN8 finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium between 2022 and 2024, and they’ll return to Durban confident of adding another chapter to their remarkable history.
A Final With History On The Line
Few clubs have dominated a South African knockout competition quite like Orlando Pirates have dominated the MTN8 over the past four seasons.
The Buccaneers have established a winning mentality in this tournament, overcoming different opponents, coaches and challenges to keep their remarkable streak alive.
But Saturday could be their toughest test yet.
Sundowns have the quality and experience to end Pirates’ reign, and with both teams desperate to lift the trophy, another fiercely contested final awaits.
One thing is certain: history will be made if Pirates emerge victorious.
Five consecutive MTN8 titles. Fifteen trophies overall. A place alongside Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the all-time honours list.
The Buccaneers are just 90 minutes, or potentially extra time and penalties, away from achieving something truly special.
And standing between them and immortality are their great rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.
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