MTN8 Royalty on the Line as Orlando Pirates Chase History Against Mamelodi Sundowns

The stage is set for another blockbuster MTN8 final as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to lock horns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. While the focus will be on who lifts the trophy, the match also brings renewed attention to the rich history of South Africa’s prestigious Top 8 competition.

For decades, the tournament has showcased some of the biggest rivalries and most memorable moments in local football. From dramatic cup finals to dominant eras by South Africa’s football giants, the competition has established itself as one of the most coveted trophies on the domestic calendar.

Kaizer Chiefs remain the most successful club in the history of the tournament with 15 titles. Amakhosi lifted the trophy in 1974, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2014, a remarkable record that still places them at the summit of the competition’s all-time winners list.

Breathing down their necks are Orlando Pirates, who have collected 14 titles over the years. The Buccaneers won the competition in 1972, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2010, 2011, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Pirates have also been the dominant force in recent editions of the competition. Since reclaiming the trophy in 2020, the Soweto giants have built an impressive record, winning four consecutive MTN8 crowns and establishing themselves as the team to beat in the tournament.

Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, have captured the trophy on four occasions, winning in 1988, 1990, 2007 and 2021. Despite their dominance in league football over recent seasons, the Brazilians have only occasionally translated that success into MTN8 silverware and will be determined to add another title to their collection.

The recent history of the competition highlights just how competitive the tournament has been. According to past champions listed from recent editions, Kaizer Chiefs won in 2008 and 2014, Golden Arrows claimed the title in 2009, Orlando Pirates triumphed in 2010 and 2011, Moroka Swallows celebrated success in 2012, while Platinum Stars lifted the trophy in 2013.

The competition then saw Ajax Cape Town crowned champions in 2015, Bidvest Wits in 2016, SuperSport United in 2017 and 2019, and Cape Town City in 2018. More recently, Sundowns lifted the trophy in 2021 before Pirates began their current run of dominance by winning the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions.

Saturday’s final therefore carries enormous significance for both clubs. Orlando Pirates have the opportunity to secure a fifth successive MTN8 title and draw level with Kaizer Chiefs on 15 overall crowns. Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, will be eager to halt Pirates’ dominance and claim a fifth title of their own.

All the talking, statistics and history will count for little once the whistle blows in Durban. By the end of the evening, either Orlando Pirates will have written another remarkable chapter in MTN8 history, or Mamelodi Sundowns will have brought an end to the Buccaneers’ reign and reclaimed the trophy for themselves.