by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ORLANDO Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will contest a mouth-watering MTN8 final after both sides secured dramatic semifinal victories at the weekend.
Pirates were the first to book their place, defeating Sekhukhune United 3-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory.
The Buccaneers had won the first leg 1-0 in Polokwane.
Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Ghampani Lungu doubled the advantage two minutes later.
Kamogelo Sebelebele completed the scoring deep into stoppage time.
Yanela Mbuthuma was outstanding, providing assists for the first two goals, while Mokobodi was named man of the match after an impressive performance.
The emphatic victory means Pirates have reached the MTN8 final for a record fifth consecutive time and are now 90 minutes away from an unprecedented fifth successive title.
Their defensive organisation, attacking efficiency and growing confidence make them formidable opponents.
Sundowns faced a more demanding challenge on Sunday, defeating Golden Arrows 3-2 at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.
The aggregate score was 3-3, with Sundowns advancing on the away-goals rule after scoring three times in Durban.
Cassius Mailula put Sundowns level on aggregate before Junior Dion restored Arrows’ advantage.
Marcello Allende then equalised for Sundowns, with substitute Antonio Van Wyk scoring the decisive third goal. Arrows’ Philani Khumalo pulled one back in stoppage time, but Sundowns held on.
Allende and Van Wyk were particularly influential, while Mailula also impressed with his movement and finishing.
Sundowns’ ability to recover from setbacks demonstrated the resilience that will be essential in the final.
The final should be closely contested, but Pirates could enter as slight favourites.
Their exceptional MTN8 record, five consecutive final appearances, defensive solidity and ability to manage knockout pressure give them an important psychological advantage.
They also produced the more convincing semifinal performance.
Sundowns, however, possess greater technical depth and showed against Arrows that they can respond when under pressure.
Their creativity and attacking options could expose any defensive weaknesses in the Pirates ranks.
The MTN8 final is scheduled for Saturday, 10 October 2026, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
If Pirates reproduce the discipline and ruthlessness displayed against Sekhukhune, they have a strong chance of retaining the trophy.
Sundowns will nevertheless provide a stern test, setting the stage for another compelling encounter between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
– CAJ News