Mamelodi Sundowns Set to Crush Pirates’ Hopes of a Fourth Consecutive MTN8 Title

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates meet for the 16th time in the MTN8 competition, with both clubs having a strong historical presence in the tournament. In their previous 15 encounters, Sundowns and Pirates each have four wins, while seven matches have ended in draws. Notably, two of those draws were settled by penalty shootouts, with Pirates emerging victorious both times.

This semi-final clash marks their seventh meeting at this stage of the competition. Pirates have advanced from four of the six previous semi-finals they’ve contested against Sundowns, making them the more successful side in this context.

Key Stats & Recent Form

• Sundowns’ Record in Semi-Finals: Sundowns are under pressure after drawing 1-1 in the first leg. The team will need to deliver a strong performance at home to avoid another early exit. Sundowns’ home form has been impressive, as they remain unbeaten in their last three games against Pirates at home, with two wins and one draw.
• Pirates’ Advantage: Pirates have a solid record against Sundowns in cup competitions, winning four of their last five encounters. In the MTN8, they are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Sundowns (W2 D4). Their most recent win came in the 2023-24 Nedbank Cup final, where they triumphed 2-1.
• Previous Two-Legged Semi-Finals: In their last two encounters in two-legged MTN8 semi-finals (2011-12 and 2022-23), Pirates emerged as the victors both times. They are the favourites heading into this second leg, given their unbeaten streak and dominant performances in previous encounters.

Tactics & Key Players

Sundowns will depend on their top scorer, Peter Shalulile, to find a breakthrough against Pirates’ solid defence. They will need to capitalize on home advantage and put pressure on Pirates early in the match.

Pirates, on the other hand, will look to their young sensation Kamogelo Sebelebele to continue his excellent form. With a well-organized defense and clinical attack, Pirates will be confident heading into the second leg.

What’s at Stake?

The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Sundowns need to overturn the first-leg draw to keep their hopes alive of defeating the MTN8 Champions. On the other hand, Pirates will be looking to extend their winning streak against Sundowns and secure their place in the final once again.

Check also: Orlando Pirates Face Squad Dilemma Ahead of MTN8 Second Leg Against Sundowns

With the second leg set to take place on 23 August 2025, fans can expect a high-octane match as both teams vie for a spot in the final. Will Sundowns recover from the draw in the first leg, or will Pirates continue their dominance? The answer will come soon, but for now, all eyes are on the showdown.