Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with the first silverware of the 2026/27 PSL season at stake. Sundowns head into the final monitoring the fitness of Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas, while also attempting to end a domestic cup drought stretching back to 2022. Pirates have another milestone within reach as they chase a fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
The final brings together 2 Gauteng clubs that have started the domestic campaign strongly.
It also renews a knockout rivalry that has recently favoured Pirates, giving Sundowns another opportunity to change the pattern when the teams meet in Durban.
ALSO READ: Formula 1 For Beginners: The Complete F1 Guide For 2026 And 2027
Sundowns Face Late Injury Decisions
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is waiting on the fitness of Mokoena, Modiba and Aubaas before deciding on his team for the MTN8 final.
All 3 players took part in a light training session at Chloorkop in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Modiba and Aubaas trained in their boots, while Mokoena trained in sneakers.
The players have been assessed by the Sundowns medical department, but Cardoso said further checks would be needed before their availability is confirmed.
“What I need you to understand is that I will never put on a player until I understand that he is 100% fit,” Cardoso said.
Cardoso said particular caution would be required with the muscle injuries involving Modiba and Aubaas, although he indicated that their recovery had shown positive signs.
Long term absentee Keanu Cupido also joined the training session.
Cardoso Will Not Risk Players For The Final
The importance of the MTN8 final will not change Cardoso’s approach to injured players.
The Sundowns coach said he was considering the wider season when deciding whether players were ready to return.
“We don’t want to think just about this game. We don’t want this game to have an impact on the season and that’s where I stand before making my own decisions,” Cardoso said.
That could leave decisions over Mokoena, Modiba and Aubaas until close to the final.
Cardoso has not confirmed whether any of the 3 will start or feature against Pirates.
Pirates Have Had The Edge In Recent Cup Meetings
The final gives Sundowns another opportunity to improve their recent knockout record against Pirates.
The last time the teams met in an MTN8 final, Pirates won on penalties after a goalless draw in 2023.
Pirates also defeated Sundowns in the 2024 Nedbank Cup final before Sundowns again fell short against the Buccaneers in the MTN8 semifinal last season.
Their most recent Betway Premiership meeting produced a different result, with Sundowns beating Pirates 2 to 1.
Saturday’s final therefore adds another chapter to a rivalry that has increasingly extended beyond the league into major knockout matches.
Sundowns Want To End Their Domestic Cup Drought
Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has acknowledged the club’s recent difficulties in knockout competitions.
Sundowns last won a domestic cup competition when they lifted the Nedbank Cup in 2022.
Their most recent MTN8 triumph came in 2021.
“We’ve fallen short a few times in this competition. It has sort of been our Achilles heel, but I think the mood and energy in camp is different,” Kekana said.
“We’re all highly motivated and positive about this weekend’s fixture.”
Sundowns reached the final after recovering from a first leg defeat against Golden Arrows in the semifinal.
Winning on Saturday would therefore end the club’s wait for another domestic cup and give Cardoso’s side an early trophy in the 2026/27 campaign.
Pirates Chase A Fifth Consecutive MTN8 Crown
Pirates arrive in Durban with an opportunity to extend their recent dominance of the MTN8.
The Buccaneers are chasing a fifth consecutive title in the competition.
They have also started the current campaign strongly and remain unbeaten in all competitions.
Pirates had collected 19 points from a possible 21 in the league by 7 October while also progressing to another MTN8 final.
Sundowns were also unbeaten in the league and occupied the top position on the Premiership table.
The final therefore brings together 2 sides carrying strong early season form into the first major domestic final of the campaign.
Kekana Expects A Tactical Battle
Kekana expects the latest Pirates and Sundowns meeting to be shaped by tactical decisions rather than physical intensity alone.
“When I arrived at Sundowns, it was always just a battle but right now, it’s about the one who can get it right tactically,” Kekana said.
The defender said Sundowns would give everything in their attempt to win the trophy.
For Cardoso, that ambition must be balanced against the fitness of players returning from injury and the demands of the rest of the season.
The availability of Mokoena, Modiba and Aubaas could therefore become an important part of Sundowns’ preparations before the final.
What This Means For Gauteng Residents
The MTN8 final has a strong Gauteng connection because both finalists are based in the province.
Mamelodi Sundowns are based in Pretoria, while Orlando Pirates are based in Johannesburg.
Although the trophy will be decided at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, supporters of 2 of Gauteng’s biggest football clubs will have a direct interest in the result.
For Sundowns supporters, much of the build up will centre on the availability of Mokoena, Modiba and Aubaas.
Pirates supporters will be watching to see whether the Buccaneers can extend their winning run in the MTN8 and secure a fifth consecutive title.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Orlando Pirates Vs Mamelodi Sundowns MTN8 Final?
The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns takes place on Saturday.
Where Is The MTN8 Final Being Played?
The final will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Which Sundowns Players Are Injury Doubts?
Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas are being assessed ahead of the final. Miguel Cardoso said decisions on their availability could be made close to the match.
When Did Sundowns Last Win The MTN8?
Mamelodi Sundowns last won the MTN8 in 2021.
How Many Consecutive MTN8 Titles Are Pirates Chasing?
Orlando Pirates are attempting to win the competition for a fifth consecutive time.
What To Watch Before The Final
Sundowns’ final injury assessments will be among the key developments before Saturday’s match.
Cardoso has made it clear that he does not intend to select players unless he believes they are fully fit, particularly where muscle injuries are involved.
For Sundowns, victory would end their domestic cup drought and reverse a run of recent knockout setbacks against Pirates.
For the Buccaneers, another victory would secure a fifth consecutive MTN8 crown.
With both Gauteng clubs entering the final in strong form, Saturday’s meeting will determine which side claims the first domestic trophy of the 2026/27 PSL season.
