Mamelodi Sundowns end Orlando Pirates’ reign to lift MTN8 title

Durban, South Africa — Mamelodi Sundowns ended Orlando Pirates’ four-year dominance of the MTN8 with a 2–0 victory in Saturday’s final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, denying the Buccaneers a record fifth consecutive title.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Iqraam Rayners converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal the trophy for Sundowns. The victory gave coach Miguel Cardoso his first domestic title with the club and secured Sundowns’ first MTN8 crown since 2021.

Mokoena puts Sundowns in front

Pirates started positively, pressing forward and looking to establish an early advantage. Yanela Mbuthuma and Gamphani Lungu both threatened, but neither could turn the home side’s bright opening into a goal.

Sundowns made their opportunity count in the 11th minute. After Pirates failed to clear a set-piece delivery, Mokoena finished from close range following a clever backheel from Thabang Matuludi to give the Brazilians the lead.

Sundowns then created further chances, with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine making important saves to keep Pirates within reach before the interval.

Williams saves crucial penalty

Pirates increased the pressure after the break as they searched for an equaliser. Their chance to level the contest arrived in the 62nd minute when they were awarded a penalty.

However, Ronwen Williams produced a decisive save to keep out Lungu’s spot-kick, pushing the effort onto the post and away. The intervention preserved Sundowns’ advantage at a pivotal moment in the final.

Pirates continued to push forward, but Sundowns defended resolutely and limited the Buccaneers’ opportunities to find a way back into the match.

Rayners seals Sundowns’ triumph

Sundowns secured the result deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty after Siyanda Ndlovu was brought down in the area by Thapelo Mokobodi.

Rayners stepped up and calmly converted in the 90th minute plus four, making it 2–0 and confirming Sundowns as MTN8 champions.

The late goal put the result beyond doubt after Williams’ penalty save had helped the Brazilians withstand Pirates’ second-half pressure.

Pirates’ four-year run comes to an end

The defeat ended Pirates’ run of four consecutive MTN8 titles and their hopes of becoming the first team to win the competition five times in succession.

For Sundowns, the victory marked a return to the top of the competition after a five-year wait for another MTN8 crown. Their disciplined performance, Mokoena’s first-half goal and Williams’ penalty save proved decisive in the Durban final.

Full-time: Orlando Pirates 0–2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Goals: Teboho Mokoena 11’, Iqraam Rayners 90+4’ (pen).