By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned MTN8 champions after defeating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.
Sundowns ended Pirates’ four-year winning streak in the MTN8 and claimed their first top eight trophy since 2021.
The Brazilians took the lead in the 11th minute through Teboho Mokoena, who found himself in the perfect position following a free-kick situation on the edge of the area.
With the ball played, Thabang Mataludi pulled off a clever flick on the edge of the area which was intercepted by Mokoena, whose toe poke found the back of the net.
Sundowns continued to look menacing going forward with Thapelo Morena and Nuno Santos creating chances for their side toward the halftime whistle.
While Pirates looked flat during large parts of the first half, Downs actively searched for a second goal, only to be denied by Sipho Chaine.
Emotions ran high right before the interval with Sundowns holding a narrow 1-0 lead. A brief scuffle erupted on the pitch near the tunnel, prompting both benches to rush onto the field to defuse the situation.
Match referee Abongile Tom had to intervene, summoning coaches Miguel Cardoso and Abdeslam Ouaddou to restore order among their respective benches.
Pirates were then awarded a penalty in the 59th minute following a scramble inside the Sundowns box as Mokoena was penalised for a pull on Yanela Mbuthuma.
With Gamphani Lungu stepping up to the spot, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off a magnificent save with a quick reaction save toward his left.
Despite the penalty miss, Pirates remained proactive in their pursuit to draw level as they pushed the Downs defensive unit onto the edge of their area.
Sundowns were also awarded a debatable penalty late in the game, which Iqraam Rayners calmly converted putting the tie to bed.
For Sundowns, despite winning eight Premiership titles in the last nine seasons, and despite winning last season’s Caf Champions League, this was just a fifth ever MTN8 title, and their second in the last 19 years.
“With heart, passion, organisation and a lot of love, ” said Cardoso, when asked how his side had triumphed over Pirates.
“It is very difficult to play Pirates and very difficult to get two goals without conceding. All the people here (in Durban) deserve it. They came in numbers. I think it was time to give these people a domestic cup.”