The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that the MTN8 final venue draw will take place at 20:00, with the announcement broadcast live on the SuperSport PSL Channel, Channel 202.
The two South African giants have developed a fascinating history in the top-eight competition, with their meetings coming at different stages of the tournament over the years.
ORLANDO PPIRATES HAVE DOMINATED THE MODERN ERA
The latest final adds another chapter to a rivalry that has produced several memorable MTN8 encounters.
The clubs have met 14 times in the competition, including 10 semi-final matches, two quarter-finals and two finals. Orlando Pirates currently hold the edge in those meetings.
The most recent final between the sides came in 2023, when Orlando Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine became the hero by saving three penalties as the Buccaneers won 3-1 in the shootout.
The 2022 semi-final also produced a statement result from Orlando Pirates, who progressed with a 3-0 aggregate victory.
Orlando Pirates have since turned the MTN8 into their own recent territory, winning the trophy four consecutive times from 2022 to 2025. The run started against AmaZulu in 2022, continued against Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023 and Stellenbosch FC in 2024, before another victory over Stellenbosch FC in 2025.
The 2025 triumph was particularly historic. Orlando Pirates defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time at Mbombela Stadium, becoming the first club to win the competition four seasons in a row. The victory took their overall MTN8 tally to 14 titles.
Orlando Pirates have also already created another piece of history in this season’s competition. Their 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United made them the first club to reach five consecutive MTN8 finals.
WHERE WILL THE 2026 MTN8 FINAL BE PLAYED?
The venue announcement has added another layer of intrigue to this year’s final. In recent seasons, the PSL has taken the MTN8 showpiece to several major stadiums around the country.
The 2021 final was played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Cape Town City.
The iconic Durban venue then hosted three consecutive finals involving Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers defeated AmaZulu there in 2022, overcame Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2023 final and beat Stellenbosch FC in 2024.
The pattern changed in 2025, when Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC met at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Now the 2026 final returns to the spotlight, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns waiting to discover where they will battle for the MTN8 trophy.
For Orlando Pirates, the final represents another opportunity to extend an extraordinary run in the competition. For Mamelodi Sundowns, it provides another chance to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2021.
WHERE DO YOU EXPECT THE MATCH?
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