Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 to lift the MTN8 trophy at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the first half before Iqraam Rayners converted a late penalty to seal the victory. The result ended Pirates’ hopes of winning the competition for a fifth consecutive season.
Sundowns took the lead after just 11 minutes. Pirates failed to clear a free kick from the right, and Brayan Leon’s scuffed effort fell kindly for Mokoena, who fired the ball into the net.
Pirates struggled to find a response as Sundowns looked to extend their advantage. However, the Brazilians missed several chances to put the game beyond their rivals and left the door open for a late comeback.
The biggest moment came in the 62nd minute. Referee Abongile Tom awarded Pirates a penalty after judging that Mokoena had committed a foul inside the box. Gamphani Lungu stepped up, but Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made an excellent low save, turning the spot kick onto the post.
Rayners Seals Mamelodi Sundowns Triumph
Sundowns remained under pressure as the match entered stoppage time, having failed to convert their earlier chances. They finally secured the trophy when Thapelo Mokobodi brought down Siyanda Ndlovu inside the opposite penalty area.
Rayners took responsibility and calmly sent his penalty into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. His late strike settled the contest and sparked celebrations among Sundowns supporters inside a sold out Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The victory gives Mamelodi Sundowns their first MTN8 title since 2021 and delivers a major boost for coach Miguel Cardoso. He has now guided the club to success in the league, the Champions League and the MTN8.
Sundowns have enjoyed considerable success in the league and on the continental stage over the past five years. However, their supporters had continued to demand domestic cup silverware, making Saturday’s triumph particularly significant.
Tashreeq Matthews won the man of the match award, while Williams also played a key role with crucial saves, including his second half penalty stop.
The result also denied Pirates the chance to claim a fifth straight MTN8 crown and potentially deliver a second title in the competition for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Mamelodi Sundowns last celebrated domestic cup success when they beat Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup final in May 2022, completing a domestic treble. Their latest victory gives the club another major trophy and strengthens their position in South African football.
