Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to meet in what promises to be a spectacular 2026 MTN8 Final when the two South African football giants go head-to-head at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 October.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 18:00, with a packed stadium expected for one of the most anticipated domestic football matches of the season.
The Premier Soccer League confirmed Moses Mabhida Stadium as the venue for the final after Orlando Pirates were drawn as the designated home team for the encounter.
A sold-out football occasion
The demand for the final has been significant, with the PSL confirming on 2 October that all tickets had been sold.
General-access tickets were priced at R150 and were made available exclusively online through Open Tickets. The tickets sold out after going on sale, meaning supporters without valid tickets will not be able to purchase entry at Moses Mabhida Stadium on matchday.
The PSL has urged ticket holders to download their digital tickets to their mobile phones before travelling to the stadium.
Screenshots will not be accepted, while printed tickets will also not be valid for entry. Every person attending the match, including children, must have a valid ticket.
Gates are scheduled to open at 14:00, giving supporters several hours to arrive before the 18:00 kick-off.
Pirates chasing another MTN8 triumph
Orlando Pirates enter the final with a remarkable recent record in the competition.
The Buccaneers have won the MTN8 in each of the past four seasons and are now 90 minutes away from potentially securing a fifth consecutive title.
Pirates booked their place in the final after comfortably overcoming Sekhukhune United in the semifinal.
After winning the first leg 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Pirates completed the job with a 3-0 victory in the second leg, progressing 4-0 on aggregate.
The Soweto giants will therefore arrive in Durban knowing that another piece of MTN8 history is within their reach.
A victory would further strengthen their remarkable dominance of the competition in recent seasons.
Sundowns overcome Arrows to reach the final
Mamelodi Sundowns had a more challenging route to the final.
The Brazilians suffered a 1-0 defeat against Lamontville Golden Arrows in the first leg of their semifinal at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
However, Sundowns produced a response in the second leg, defeating Arrows 3-2 at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
The result allowed Sundowns to progress to the final on the away-goals rule after the aggregate score finished 3-3.
Miguel Cardoso’s side will now be looking to finish their MTN8 campaign with silverware after navigating a difficult semifinal tie.
Another chapter in a growing rivalry
The meeting in Durban will add another chapter to the rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns.
According to Orlando Pirates, the two clubs will be meeting in the MTN8 for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
The final is also a repeat of the 2023 MTN8 decider at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
That encounter ended in dramatic fashion, with Pirates eventually defeating Sundowns on penalties.
The return to the same venue adds another layer of history to Saturday’s contest, although both teams will be focused on the present rather than what happened in previous finals.
Moses Mabhida ready for another major football occasion
Moses Mabhida Stadium will once again provide the stage for one of South Africa’s biggest football fixtures.
The Durban venue has become a familiar setting for the MTN8 Final and will host the showpiece for the sixth time in seven years.
The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that preparations are underway in cooperation with the PSL, stadium management, law enforcement, emergency services and other stakeholders.
The city has also encouraged supporters travelling to Durban to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport where possible.
With the match expected to attract supporters from different parts of the country, the final is also expected to provide a boost for local businesses, hospitality establishments, transport operators and other businesses in the city.
Matchday information
The key details for supporters are:
Match: Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Competition: 2026 MTN8 Final
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Kick-off: 18:00
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Gates open: 14:00
Tickets: Sold out
Broadcast: SuperSport PSL and SABC 1
Supporters who do not have tickets can still follow the final through the live television broadcasts.
One trophy, two giants
The long wait is almost over.
After eight matches produced the finalists, the 2026 MTN8 campaign will come down to one final contest between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
For Pirates, the opportunity is to extend an extraordinary period of dominance in the competition and potentially claim a fifth consecutive MTN8 crown.
For Sundowns, the challenge is to stop that run and add another major domestic trophy to their collection.
With a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium providing the backdrop, the stage is set for a final that should capture the attention of football supporters across South Africa.
ONE STADIUM. TWO GIANTS. ONE TROPHY. 90 MINUTES TO GLORY.
Saturday’s MTN8 Final will decide who leaves Durban as the 2026 champions.
