As Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates prepare for a blockbuster MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, history shows that several key players have stepped up to break the Buccaneers’ hearts over the years. While Sundowns have largely ruled the domestic league front for over a decade, cup competitions have been a different battleground—with Pirates entering the showdown hunting a fifth consecutive MTN8 crown.
Looking back at past masterclasses provides a blueprint of the players who have caused massive problems for the Soweto giants:
- Isaac Shai (1999): Delivered an unforgettable Rothmans Cup semi-final brace to book Sundowns’ ticket to the final and crush Pirates’ cup aspirations.
- Brent Carelse (2007): Scored the decisive early winner in the SAA Supa 8 final to hand Masandawana a rare and memorable cup triumph over their rivals.
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa: A modern-day menace who famously bagged a brace in a 4-1 thrashing of the Buccaneers.
- Peter Shalulile: Consistently a thorn in Orlando Pirates’ side, highlighted by a dominant two-goal performance in their 2021 Nedbank Cup meeting.
- Brayan Leon: Made an instant impact following his arrival, scoring a decisive brace against Pirates at FNB Stadium and proving he has the big-match temperament to trouble them again.
