Mamelodi Sundowns have had the better of Orlando Pirates in league meetings for more than a decade.
In cup competitions, however, it has been a different story. The Buccaneers are unbeaten in their two cup finals against Masandawana, and the two giants will meet once again this weekend in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Orlando Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, while Sundowns will be looking to end their dominance in the competition.
With another blockbuster clash on the horizon, we look at five Sundowns players who have caused heartbreak for the Buccaneers in the past.
Isaac Shai
Isaac Shai produced a memorable performance against Orlando Pirates in November 1999, scoring a brace for Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the Rothmans Cup semi-final.
His Man of the Match display helped Sundowns book their place in the final while breaking the hearts of a Pirates side that had been hoping to progress.
Shai’s explosive strikes and memorable celebrations remain part of the history of this fixture.
Sundowns last defeated Pirates in a final back in 2007
Brent Carelse
In 2007, former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Brent Carelse became a Sundowns hero when he scored the only goal of the SAA Supa 8 final against Orlando Pirates.
Having joined the Brazilians, Carelse made his mark on the big stage by finding the back of the net early in the first half and handing Sundowns a memorable cup triumph over their rivals.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa
Lucas Ribeiro Costa has also enjoyed some memorable moments against Orlando Pirates since arriving in South Africa.
The Brazilian has scored three goals against the Buccaneers, including a brace in Sundowns’ emphatic 4-1 victory in February last year.
Ribeiro’s explosive performance helped Sundowns extend their advantage over Pirates and contributed to what ultimately became an eighth successive league victory.
Peter Shalulile
Peter Shalulile has been a thorn in Orlando Pirates’ side for years, and one of his best performances against the Buccaneers came in the Nedbank Cup in 2021.
The Namibian striker scored twice as Sundowns thrashed Pirates 4-1, underlining his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Shalulile’s physicality, movement and eye for goal have consistently made him a difficult opponent for the Buccaneers.
Leon could be key if Sundowns are to beat Pirates
Brayan Leon
Since joining Sundowns in January, Brayan Leon wasted little time making an impression, scoring five goals in his first month at the club.
However, his biggest impact came against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium in February this year, when he broke the hearts of the Buccaneers with a decisive performance.
Leon will be one of the players Pirates will have to watch closely when the two sides meet again.
With Sundowns desperate to end Orlando Pirates’ dominance in the MTN8, the Colombian could once again play a key role as Masandawana look to finally get one over their rivals in the cup.
