Mamelodi Sundowns out to end Orlando Pirates cup dominance in MTN8 final

AmaBhakaniya are targeting a record-extending fifth straight top eight cup victory while Masandawana want to end a four-year run without winning the tournament or any domestic competition other than the league.

The two sides remain unbeaten in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership, with Sundowns only loss coming in the first-leg semi-final encounter against Golden Arrows.

The Buccaneers have scored a total of 25 goals this season in all competitions, while Ka Bo Yellow have banged in 27 goals, with both sides scoring six each in the MTN8 ahead of the weekend's showdown in Durban.

However, Pirates boast a more impressive defensive record, having only conceded three times this season while the Chloorkop-based team have let in 13 goals.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso is eyeing his second victory in five contests against Bucs mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou, with Sundowns winning the last league clash between the two sides last season.

"This game will be important, and we want to play it as best as we can, " said Cardoso to reporters ahead of the match.

"Both teams are in a good moment, but whatever happens will not speak for the season; the season will be spoken about in the end. Obviously, let's hope the best team wins; let's hope Sundowns is the best team.

"I hope we give a good example of how the match should be played by two rivals in terms of sportsmanship spirit from the start till the end."

Meanwhile, Pirates head coach Ouaddou has also warned his team against relying on their impressive run of form in cup competitions ahead of Saturday's finale.

"It's a different game, different era. You have to prepare for it with a lot of ambition and seriousness," said the Moroccan.

"These things [history] can help mentally, but the reality will be the match itself and how we attack the match.

"Winning a cup final requires more than tactics, sometimes you have to go a little bit deeper and play with a strong heart. There's a big difference between a cup game and a league game."

Kick-Off is scheduled for 18H00.