Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns lineups, 3 predictions – MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns lineups, 3 predictions – MTN8 final
Thabang Monare of Orlando Pirates tackled by Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on the 20 September 2023 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto - Photo by Icon sport

The MTN8 final on Saturday will see Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns trade tackles for the first piece of silverware this campaign.

The match will be played at a neutral venue, the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and kick-off time is 18:00 SAST.

The Soweto and Pretoria-based clubs will leave no stone unturned as these heavyweight clubs relive hostilities.

Orlando Pirates defeated Stellenbosch on the away goals rule following an aggregate score of 2-2 after both legs with the Stellies, and now have a chance to pick up their 12 trophy in this competition.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are the third most successful side in this competition and are bidding to earn their fifth title.

While they have been a force in the PSL over the last few years, they have struggled to find the same success in this competition. They edged out Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the final.

Players in action during Orlando Pirates clash with Mamelodi Sundowns
Credit: Icon Sport

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns probable lineups

This is how we think both teams will line up in this MTN8 final:

Orlando Pirates

Chaine; Sibisi, Shandu, Mako, Xoki; Ndlondlo, Monare, Saleng, Hotto; Maswanganyi, Lepasa.

Mamelodi Sundowns

Williams; Mvala, Coetzee, Lunga, Mokoena; Modiba, Allende, Mudau; Costa, Zwane, Shalulile.

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed lineups

*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns predictions

Rhulani Mokwena's men have won each of their last four matches against this opponent in all competitions.

In fact, the most recent victory came just two weeks ago in the PSL. However, Pirates have a better record in this competition than Sundowns but they're not coming into this final in good shape. Here are three predictions for the final.

Prediction 1: Mamelodi Sundowns to emerge victorious

Orlando Pirates are the defending champions of the MTN8 title. They secured their 11th crown in this competition last season, beating Amazulu 1-0.

The Buccaneers now have a chance to pull within three of the all-time title winners, Kaizer Chiefs on 15. Nonetheless, we don't see them winning the final as their form of late is woeful, with four straight losses, rather, we fancy the Brazilians to win the match.

Prediction 2: Both teams to score – No

Even though this clash will be keenly contested, we don't think both sides will score. This fixture has followed a regular pattern in their last six meetings.

It's been one-sided when it comes to scoring goals which have gone the way of Mamelodi Sundowns in four of those meetings. Pirates last scored against the Brazilians in this competition though, it'll be fascinating to see how events unfold this time around.

Prediction 3: Under 2.5 total goals

Clashes between these teams have been low-scoring their last three games. Pirates themselves have not been involved in over 2.5 goals in the past four games they've played, while two of Sundowns' last four have seen at least three goals.

Knowing this clash is a final, we don't fancy as many goals as three, considering bragging rights are at stake. We strongly believe this game won't see three goals.

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Credit: Icon Sport

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns head-to-head

The head-to-head record of this fixture since 2016 shows that out of 20 games played, Mamelodi Sundowns have won 12 times, Pirates have won 4, while 4 games ended in a draw.

Orlando Pirates recent form

Orlando Pirates 1-0 [4-5 AP] Jwaneng Galaxy (29/09) – CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Stellenbosch (24/09) – Premier Soccer League

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (20/09) – Premier Soccer League

Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 Orlando Pirates (17/09) – CAF Champions League

Stellenbosch 1-2 Orlando Pirates (03/09) – MTN8

Mamelodi Sundowns recent form

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Bumamuru (30/09) – CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Stellenbosch (27/09) – Premier Soccer League

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs (23/09) – MTN8

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns (20/09) – Premier Soccer League

Bumamuru 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns (15/09) – CAF Champions League

Where to watch Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns live in South Africa

Football fans in South Africa will be able to watch the Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns MTN8 final clash on Saturday by tuning to SuperSport 202 and SABC 1 channel.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Joseph Abadi
Joseph is a freelance writer who spends most of his time writing engaging football contents. Based in Nigeria, Joseph is a die-hard Real Madrid fan with over 8 years experience in the sports betting space. He has covered football match previews, predictions, and news across leagues in Africa and Europe.
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