Sundowns Dethrone Orlando Pirates to Win MTN8 Crown

Mamelodi Sundowns ended Orlando Pirates’ dominance in the MTN8 competition after defeating the Buccaneers 2-0 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned the 2026 MTN8 champions after securing a 2-0 victory over defending champions Orlando Pirates in a thrilling encounter that brought together two of South African football’s biggest clubs.

The final, played before a sold-out crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium, saw Sundowns deliver a determined performance to end Pirates’ hopes of winning the competition for a fifth consecutive time.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the Tshwane-based side an early advantage. Mokoena capitalised on a set-piece opportunity, finishing from close range after the ball fell kindly to him inside the penalty area.

Pirates attempted to fight their way back into the match, creating opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. However, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams proved decisive when he saved Gamphani Lungu’s penalty in the second half, denying the Buccaneers a crucial opportunity to level the score.

Pirates continued pushing forward, but Sundowns maintained their defensive discipline and limited their opponents’ clear scoring opportunities.

The Brazilians eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Iqraam Rayners converted a penalty in the 90+4th minute, securing the 2-0 win and confirming Sundowns as the new MTN8 champions.

The victory marked an important milestone for Sundowns, who last won the MTN8 trophy in 2021. The triumph also delivered coach Miguel Cardoso his first domestic title with the club.

For Orlando Pirates, the defeat brought their impressive run in the competition to an end, with the Soweto giants missing out on the opportunity to secure a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 crown.

Sundowns’ victory underlined their ability to deliver on a major occasion, with Mokoena’s early goal and Williams’ penalty save proving decisive before Rayners put the result beyond doubt.

The Brazilians walked away with the MTN8 trophy and the reported R10 million winners’ prize, while Pirates were left to reflect on a final in which they struggled to convert their opportunities into goals