Mamelodi Sundowns could be without three key Bafana Bafana internationals when they face Orlando Pirates in the highly anticipated MTN8 final on Saturday.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas are all facing late fitness assessments after returning from international duty with injuries.
The blockbuster final is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with both sides battling for one of South African football’s most coveted domestic trophies.
Sundowns sweating over injured Bafana stars
Cardoso revealed that the injured players have already been assessed by the club’s medical team, but their final availability will only be determined closer to kick-off.
“Yesterday we had a first evaluation on the players; players were seen by doctors,” Cardoso told the media.
The Portuguese coach added that the players would undergo further assessments before a final decision is made.
“Today we’ll have a better opportunity to check them. I believe those cases will be until the last minute,” he explained.
Sundowns are particularly cautious with Modiba and Aubaas, who reportedly picked up muscle-related injuries while representing Bafana Bafana.
Cardoso stressed that the club would not risk aggravating an injury simply to have a player feature in the final.
“We cannot risk, especially on muscle injuries like the ones that had Aubrey and Aubaas,” he said.
The situation leaves Sundowns with a major selection dilemma heading into a final against a Pirates side that has become synonymous with MTN8 success.
Pirates chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title
Orlando Pirates have dominated the competition in recent seasons.
The Buccaneers have won the MTN8 four times in a row, lifting the trophy in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Their 2023 triumph came against Sundowns, with Pirates winning the final on penalties after the match finished goalless following extra time.
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine emerged as the hero that night, saving three penalties as Pirates won the shootout 3-1.
Pirates also eliminated Sundowns in the 2022 semi-finals, winning 3-0 on aggregate.
Their most recent triumph was even more historic. Pirates defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time in the 2025 final at Mbombela Stadium, becoming the first team to win four consecutive MTN8 titles.
That victory took their total MTN8 trophy tally to 14.
Pirates make MTN8 history
Pirates have already achieved another milestone this season.
Their 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United in the semi-finals secured a place in their fifth consecutive MTN8 final, making them the first club to achieve that feat.
Now they face Sundowns once again, with another chapter set to be written in what has become one of the MTN8’s biggest rivalries.
For Sundowns, the fitness of Mokoena, Modiba and Aubaas could prove crucial.
Who will lift the MTN8 trophy?
Will Pirates extend their remarkable dominance and claim a fifth consecutive MTN8 crown, or can Sundowns finally stop the Buccaneers’ incredible run?
Who do you expect to win the 2026 MTN8 final — Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns?
