Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates must find a way to contain the guile and skill of Mamelodi Sundowns in their MTN8 semifinal tie, which is a tough ask over 180 minutes and starts in the first leg at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
They are two of the so-called ‘Big Three’ in the local game and it was only a little over a decade ago that the Buccaneers claimed a remarkable six trophies in two seasons, before Sundowns took over their mantle as top dogs in the country.
This is a chance for Pirates to make a statement though and after a good start to the season, in which they have at least looked defensively solid, they can maybe go into the matches with some confidence.
Pirates and Sundowns have long been rivals in the MTN8 competition, but quite remarkably this will be their first meeting in pursuit of this cup in 11 years.
They have met on 11 occasions prior since 1985 – including in two finals, both of which were won by Sundowns (1992 & 2007).
The Brazilians hold the edge in clashes in the competition, but only just. They have four wins to Pirates’ three, with another four games drawn. In matches at Pirates it is a different story though with the home side leading the head-to-head 3-1 with one draw.
The quarterfinals in 1990 saw Sundowns claim a 6-1 victory that for almost three decades was Pirates’ heaviest ever defeat … until Sundowns beat them 6-0 in the league during the 2016/17 season.
Incidentally, Pirates thumped Sundowns 4-0 that same season 32 years ago which still stands as their biggest win over the Brazilians.
The last time these teams met in the MTN8 was in the semifinals in the 2011/12 campaign when Pirates came out on top in a fierce tussle. They won the home leg 3-2, before the teams played to a 1-1 draw in the second game.
In all matches played between the sides since 1985, Sundowns also hold the edge with 43 wins compared to 31 for Pirates and another 30 draws. They have outscored their opponents 139-100.
In all matches played at Pirates, Sundowns still hold the edge, though by a narrower margin. They have 21 wins to 17 for the Buccaneers, with only 12 of the 50 matches drawn. Sundowns lead the goal tally 68-51.
The teams have met 29 times in all cup games, and Pirates actually have fared better on this score. They have 10 wins to Sundowns’ nine, with another 10 draws. They have scored 31 goals, but Sundowns have netted 40.
Sundowns have had much the better of recent clashes. They have won the last four, dating back to April 2021, scoring 13 goals in the process and conceding only two. Pirates have simply not found a way to contain them of late, though the last of those clashes was all the way back in December 2021, some 10 months ago.
Sundowns are seeking back-to-back MTN8 final appearances after lifting the trophy last year when they beat Cape Town City on penalties.
Pirates were winners in 2020 after they beat Bloemfontein Celtic in the decider, so this is a clash between the last two champions of the competition.