Orlando Pirates lost the 2026 MTN8 final 2-0 to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night. The defeat, decided by two penalty calls, ended the Buccaneers' pursuit of an unprecedented fifth consecutive title in the competition.
Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring from the spot in the 12th minute after a challenge on Siyanda Ndlovu. Orlando Pirates had early chances through Gamphani Lungu and Yanela Mbuthuma but lost Kamohelo Sebelebele to injury before the break. Sipho Chaine made several saves to keep his side in the game, including denying Brayan León and Nuno Santos.
A key moment came when Mbuthuma had a penalty saved by Ronwen Williams after being fouled by Mokoena. Deon Hotto was later denied by a spectacular Williams stop. Iqraam Rayners sealed the win for Sundowns with a second penalty in the 90th minute.
Khanye questions decisions
Former Kaizer Chiefs analyst Junior Khanye criticised the officiating on iDiski TV. "Referees sometimes ruin a game because, for me, I don’t think both penalties were actual penalties," he said. Khanye described the first award as soft and suggested the second may have been a makeup call to balance the earlier decision. He elaborated, stating the first incident was a "50/50 challenge" and that the second penalty, for a handball, was questionable as the defender's arm was in a natural position.
His comments come amid renewed public pressure on SAFA to implement VAR technology, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie promising a further announcement on the matter this Wednesday. McKenzie has been vocal about the need for VAR, saying the technology would help settle debates around key match decisions.
The loss is Orlando Pirates' first of the season but they remain firmly in the Premier Soccer League title race. They sit second with 19 points from seven games, just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and have a goal difference of +15. Coach Jose Riveiro acknowledged the team's disappointment but urged focus on the immediate future.
Attention now turns to league action as Jose Riveiro's side must regroup quickly. They host TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October. Galaxy are currently 12th in the table. The full fixtures schedule shows a busy period ahead for the Buccaneers as they look to respond, with matches against Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC to follow in quick succession.
Further reading: goal.com
Orlando Pirates responded to their MTN8 final defeat with a 3-0 league win over TS Galaxy on Tuesday, October 13. Boitumelo Lawrence Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi and Simphiwe Masilela scored the goals. The Buccaneers remain second in the Premier Soccer League, one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said his team must stay humble after their cup win. "We have to be humble enough to know that we have a match to respect in two days," Cardoso said. Orlando Pirates' next fixture is at home to Kaizer Chiefs on October 31.
Orlando Pirates coach Nasser Ouaddou explained the absence of midfielder Mbatha from the 3-0 win over TS Galaxy. Mbatha had surgery after returning from the national team. "We don't want to take a risk with him," Ouaddou said. The coach was amazed by Mbatha's performance in the MTN8 final. The Buccaneers, now second with 22 points from eight games, kept a sixth consecutive league clean sheet. They have conceded only one goal this season. Mbatha is likely to feature in the CAF Champions League this Saturday.
Orlando Pirates will begin their Carling Knockout title defence against Milford FC at Orlando Arena, the club confirmed on October 15. The draw was announced following the Buccaneers' 3-0 league win over TS Galaxy, a result that keeps them second with 22 points from eight games. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will aim to retain the Knockout crown after failing to defend the MTN8 title. Mamelodi Sundowns, who lead the league by one point, will host Marumo Gallants in the same competition.
