Mamelodi Sundowns defeat Orlando Pirates to claim MTN8 title

Mamelodi Sundowns secured the MTN8 title with a 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The win ended Pirates’ four-year dominance in the competition and marked Sundowns’ first MTN8 trophy since 2021.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the early stages of the match, followed by a late penalty converted by Iqraam Rayners to seal the result. Sundowns' goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pivotal role, particularly with a crucial penalty save in the 61st minute that denied Pirates an equalizer.

Following the match, Mokoena revealed he had been playing through significant personal hardship, including the recent death of his grandfather and the stabbing of his brother.

For Orlando Pirates, the defeat was compounded by an injury to defender Kamogelo Sebelebele, who required crutches following the match. The loss ends the Buccaneers' pursuit of a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 title.