The recent MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Orlando Pirates delivered a tactical masterclass. It also produced five significant statistical milestones that reshaped local football history.
According to reports on soccerladuma.co.za, this high-stakes encounter marked several historic firsts for both clubs and their respective managers.
Ouaddou’s Unbeaten Cup Run Comes to an End
Orlando Pirates lost their first domestic cup match in open play under manager Abdeslam Ouaddou. Before this final, the Moroccan head coach boasted an impressive record. He recorded 10 wins and three draws in domestic cup competitions.
This defeat represents the first setback of his cup tenure in Soweto.
Sundowns Gain the Upper Hand in Final Head-to-Heads
In the PSL era, Mamelodi Sundowns FC now hold three final victories over Pirates, compared to two defeats.
This 3-2 record reflects Sundowns’ highest win percentage against any opponent faced multiple times in PSL finals. It highlights their ability to deliver results on the biggest stages.
Miguel Cardoso Maintains Tactical Edge
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso extended his unbeaten streak against Ouaddou to five matches across all competitions. His record now stands at two victories and three draws.
Remarkably, Sundowns have scored first in all five encounters between the two tacticians.
Historic Player and Manager Milestones
Two individual records were also set during the final:
- Thalente Mbatha’s Streak Ends: Midfielder Thalente Mbatha suffered his first defeat in a match he started for Pirates since May 2025. This ended the longest player unbeaten run in the club’s PSL history.
- Cardoso’s Century Success: The final was Miguel Cardoso’s 101st match in charge of Sundowns. He achieved a 64% win rate over his first 100 games. This is the highest percentage by any Sundowns coach in their opening century of fixtures.
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