Two footballing giants in South Africa will collide this weekend in the MTN8 final when Mamelodi Sundowns tangle with Orlando pirates on Saturday night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. For Sundowns, they head into this showpiece looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2021.
The journey to reaching the final was a rollercoaster for Bafana Ba Style but the highlight has to be the two-legged semifinal round. Trailing at home in the first leg, a resilient Masandawana side managed to overturn the result in the second leg when they paid Lamontville Golden Arrows a visit in KwaZulu-Natal. They walked away with a qualification to the final for the first time since 2023.
For coach Miguel Cardoso, this will be his first domestic cup final since holding the fort in Chloorkop and the Portuguese tactician has expressed his joy to be playing his first domestic cup final in Brazilians colours. Furthermore, he looked ahead to the game, saying he expects a titanic tussle of a match, one that will be exciting for football lovers.
“We know the responsibility of a match like this. We don’t take that away and we want to do well. For some time, myself and the coaching staff, we have never played in a domestic cup final. So, it’s obviously an important moment for us as well. But for us, it’s just the next match,” he said.
“We will, however, go to the game with good intentions and commitment. We understand what is at stake and we would like to continue the season in the best way possible. We’ll take nothing for granted.”
Bafana Ba Styled have overachieved under coach Miguel, having already won a silverware this season. The aim is to win as many finals as possible this season and having an opportunity to win their second silver piece early in the season, is something coach Miguel and his men wish for.
Downs and Pirates have taken a break from their tussled league title race to focus on the biggest showdown of the weekend as they contend for the first domestic silverware this season. While aware of how tough of a rival the Soweto-based side is, coach Miguel backs his side to be the better side on the day.
“We are very observant of everything. It means that we’ll have to prepare ourselves in detail. It will be a very high-level match, the same level as the Champions League because Orlando Pirates are a high-level side. They are full of quality players. Both teams are in good shape but whatever happens on Saturday will not speak for the season. Let’s hope the best team wins and let’s hope Sundowns is the best team on the day,” the coach concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns will do clash with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 crunch final on Saturday night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off for the mouthwatering fixture has been set for 18H00, live on SuperSport TV and SABC Sport.
The name Mamelodi Sundowns only will never win us games but hard work will.That is exactly what happened over the weekend,the boys worked very hard, fought a valiant fight.To be honest it was the first i saw Santos bee strong both offensively and defensively.The two young central defenders we very calm and solid with no ball back to the keeper they both are good headers of the ball together with Matuludi. Matuludi showed hunger and aggression,Williams led by an example he was passing balls sideways, and not in the middle like he used to do and also equal to the task when needed.We played safe football at the back we didn’t try to be smart or fancy at the back that is how we should play going forward,we play only for a win not fancy staff. We made Pirates look like they were in the game by missing easy chances,we must work very hard on our finishing.Leon puts himself under unnecessary pressure by trying to score even when he should roll the ball to a player who is in a good position to score. Modiba was our weak link,he looked unfit and i salute the technical the team for sporting that out.The technical team brought their A game,Morena and Matuludi complemented each other very well,the introduction of Lunga, Cele as an extra midfield and also Ndlovu to run riot were spot on hence i’m saying bravo to the technical team.It was all hands on deck contribution.We brought peace to the Country.
We are extremely disappointed with the loss of a match against this week team from Angola.
The team’s management needs to take a serious look at what is happening under Cardoso.
For the first time in eight years, Mamelodi Sundowns have lost the league title during his tenure. Today, 23 October 2026, another disappointing chapter has been added, with the team failing to qualify for the group stages after having qualified for those stages consistently over the past 12 years.
Yes, the team has won three trophies recently, and credit must be given where it is due. However, when one scrutinises those victories, it is difficult not to question whether the players’ individual quality, talent and determination have been carrying the team rather than the coach’s tactical approach.
Cardoso is not taking this team to the next level.
Instead, there are growing concerns that the team is gradually losing the dominance, identity and winning mentality that made Sundowns such a formidable force.
Just look at the quality and depth of the squad at his disposal! With such an arsenal of talent, these performances and results are simply unacceptable.
Haikhona!
The management needs to act decisively before things deteriorate further. Mamelodi Sundowns deserve a coach who can elevate this team, restore its dominance and compete consistently at the highest level.
If Cardoso is no longer the right man for the job, then it is time to make a change before more damage is done.
KBY!