By Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso secured his maiden domestic trophy with the Brazilians this weekend, orchestrating an efficient 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in a gripping MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
As reigning CAF Champions League holders, Sundowns controlled the tempo for much of the 90 minutes, powered by clinical strikes from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners.
Despite a lively start from the Buccaneers, who pressed high from the opening whistle, it was Sundowns who drew first blood. In the 11th minute, a free-kick on the edge of the area saw Thabang Matuludi flick the ball into the path of Mokoena, whose opportunistic toe-poke found the back of the net.
Pirates struggled to find rhythm in the first half, while Sundowns pressed relentlessly for a second. Only heroic shot-stopping from Sipho Chaine kept the Sea Robbers within striking distance, denying dangerous efforts from Nuno Santos before the break.
The Buccaneers carved out their golden opportunity just before the hour mark when a goalmouth scramble resulted in a 59th-minute penalty after Mokoena was penalized for pulling Yanela Mbuthuma. However, Gamphani Lungu’s spot-kick was brilliantly thwarted by Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who reacted sharply to his left. Williams proved decisive again in the 77th minute, tipping away a powerful drive from substitute Simphiwe Masilela.
Pirates threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer, testing the resilient Tshwane defensive unit. Yet, the Brazilians slammed the door shut deep into stoppage time. Awarded a penalty after a trip inside the box, substitute Iqraam Rayners stepped up and coolly buried his effort into the bottom left corner to seal the triumph.
The victory marks a triumphant milestone for Cardoso, officially cementing Sundowns’ domestic supremacy as the 2026 MTN8 champions.
