Mamelodi Sundowns ended Orlando Pirates four-year dominance on the MTN8 to secure the title with a 2-0 win in a pulsating final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.
Pirates, drawn as the hosts in the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, Moses Mabhida, arrived with their usual swagger, chasing their fifth consecutive title in the first domestic cup of the South African football calender.
Up against the champions of Africa, who come off the back of an international title when they beat Asian champions Al Ahli Jeddah, prior to the two and half week break for international football.
Between the club action, these two club’s respective squads dominated the South Africa national team that went three for three in Pitso Mosimane first games in charge into his second stint.
It signified the cream of the crop at the moment, but both sides had injury scares within the break, with the likes of Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi out, alongside Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba for Mamelodi Sundowns.
But all three passed fitness tests and started the encounter, with both sides nearing full strength. The return of Thalente Mbatha in midfield also provided a welcomed boost for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side who surprisingly opted for Simphwe Selepe to compliment Thapelo Mokobodi and Mbatha as a midfield trio.
And despite a promising start, with their usual pace and energy in moving the ball, Sundowns got the lead after just 11 minutes, when none other than Mokoena, popped up inside the area, from a whipped free-kick from Modiba, before Thabang Matuludi picked up the loose ball to backheeel it between Lebone Seema’s legs and Mokoena finished with a tap-in.
Super Chaine
Had it not been for Sipho Chaine, the score could have been much heavier at the break, with the Pirates stopper making four clear-cut saves that could have put the game beyond doubt for Masandawana – who were intentional in possession and creating several scoring chances.
Williams never had a meaningful save to make until the 38th minute, with Sundowns in control, in and out of possession, as head coach Miguel Cardoso got his tactics spot on, choking the Pirates’ usually fluid midfield and forcing them to look in wide areas to breakdown the yellow wall of Masandwana’s resolute defence.
Williams Comes Clutch
In the second half, Pirates came out guns blazing, as expected and in turn Ronwen Williams became the centre point with three key saves, including a penalty stop, denying Giamphani Lungu after 61 minutes.
Brayan Leoń, against the run of play, should have ended the tie, when he was put through by Tashreeq Matthews after a mazy run through the Pirates defence, but spurned his chance and shortly after, Williams was once again called upon with a crucial save.
It naturally developed into an end to end affair, and Sundowns eventually doubled their lead via a late penalty from Iqraam Rayners to win their first MTN8 title in five years – while ending the Buccaneers chances of making it their fifth consecutive title.