Orlando Pirates are 90 minutes away from another major piece of silverware as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers will kick off at 18:00 in what promises to be another heavyweight South African football showdown.
Pirates are aiming to retain their MTN8 crown and extend their extraordinary dominance in the competition, while Sundowns are determined to end their wait for a domestic trophy.
The final is sold out, with more than 50 000 supporters expected in Durban for the eagerly anticipated clash.
Pirates’ incredible MTN8 unbeaten run
Pirates head into the final with an outstanding record in the MTN8.
Their last defeat in the competition came on 24 September 2023, when Stellenbosch FC edged them 1-0 in the second leg of their knockout tie.
Despite that defeat, Pirates progressed on the away-goals rule.
Since then, the Buccaneers have gone 11 MTN8 matches without defeat, recording nine victories and two draws.
That remarkable run has played a major role in Pirates’ continued dominance of the competition and puts them within touching distance of another title.
Ouaddou chasing more silverware
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will also be looking to maintain his unbeaten MTN8 record as Pirates attempt to complete another successful campaign.
The Moroccan coach has enjoyed an impressive spell at the helm since arriving from Marumo Gallants at the beginning of last season.
Across 55 competitive matches, Ouaddou has reportedly guided Pirates to 41 victories, nine draws and just five defeats.
His success has already placed him among the club’s notable coaches.
Ouaddou became the first Pirates coach since Ruud Krol to guide the Buccaneers to a domestic treble, matching the achievement from the 2010/11 season.
Fifth successive MTN8 title in sight
Pirates are chasing an extraordinary fifth consecutive MTN8 title.
Standing in their way are a Sundowns side desperate to return to the domestic trophy-winning circle after going without a domestic trophy last season.
With the MTN8 final providing another meeting between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs, Pirates’ impressive record gives them confidence — but Sundowns will be determined to prevent another Buccaneers celebration.
For Ouaddou and his players, victory would not only extend their remarkable MTN8 dominance but could also strengthen their hopes of another domestic treble.
All roads lead to Moses Mabhida on Saturday.
