The stage is officially set for another heavyweight MTN8 showdown, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns heading to Moses Mabhida Stadium for the 2026 final.
The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that the two South African giants will meet in Durban on Saturday, 10 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
Pirates will be regarded as the home side, while Sundowns will take their place as the designated away team in a final that brings together two of the biggest forces in South African football.
Moses Mabhida familiar territory for Pirates
The Durban venue has become synonymous with Pirates’ recent MTN8 success.
The Buccaneers have played three successive MTN8 finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium, winning each of those encounters. Their run began with victory over AmaZulu in 2022 before they edged Sundowns on penalties in 2023.
Pirates then defeated Stellenbosch FC in the 2024 final, adding another trophy to an already impressive record in the competition.
Now they return to the same venue with another title within reach.
Pirates chasing unprecedented fifth straight crown
Orlando Pirates have dominated the MTN8 in recent seasons.
Their latest appearance will be their fifth consecutive final, following a 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals.
The Buccaneers have won the competition in each of the last four seasons, beating AmaZulu in 2022, Sundowns in 2023 and Stellenbosch in both 2024 and 2025.
Their 2025 triumph was particularly significant as Pirates defeated Stellenbosch 3-0 after extra time at Mbombela Stadium to become the first team to win four consecutive MTN8 titles.
Another victory in Durban would extend that remarkable sequence to five straight trophies.
Sundowns return to a familiar final opponent
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the final provides an opportunity to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2021.
The Brazilians have crossed paths with Pirates numerous times in the MTN8, including a memorable semi-final battle in 2022 and the dramatic 2023 final.
That 2023 encounter ended goalless after 120 minutes before Pirates prevailed 3-1 on penalties, with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine saving three spot-kicks.
Sundowns will therefore have another chance to stop Pirates from extending their dominance of the competition.
A rivalry with plenty of MTN8 history
Pirates and Sundowns have faced each other 14 times in the MTN8, with their meetings spread across semi-finals, quarter-finals and finals.
The latest chapter promises to be another significant occasion, particularly given Pirates’ extraordinary record in the competition and Sundowns’ desire to return to the winners’ circle.
For Pirates, the objective is clear: preserve their MTN8 dynasty and make history with a fifth consecutive title.
For Sundowns, the challenge is to end that run and lift the trophy for the first time since 2021.
All eyes on Durban
The 2026 MTN8 final now has its venue, date and kick-off time confirmed.
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Saturday, 10 October 2026
18:00
With two heavyweight clubs, a historic Pirates winning streak and a trophy at stake, the Durban final promises another major chapter in the MTN8 rivalry.
Can Sundowns stop Pirates from winning five MTN8 titles in a row?
