Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 3-0 at a sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday 29 August 2026 to reach the MTN8 final for the fifth consecutive year with a 4-0 aggregate victory. Image: goal.com/supplied
Orlando Pirates reached the MTN8 final for the fifth consecutive year after thrashing Sekhukhune United 3-0 at a sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday 29 August 2026. The Orlando Pirates MTN8 final result gave the Buccaneers a 4-0 aggregate victory over two legs. Furthermore, goals from Mokobodi in the 36th minute, Lunga in the 39th minute and Moremi in the 90th plus second minute sealed the win. As a result, Pirates now await the winner of the other MTN8 semifinal to find out who they will face in the final.
The atmosphere at Orlando Amstel Arena was electric from the first whistle. A sold-out crowd packed the stadium knowing a home win would secure Pirates’ passage to the final. The Buccaneers held a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Polokwane the previous Saturday. Sekhukhune United needed to win by two or more unanswered goals to stay alive. That was always going to be difficult against a Pirates side that had not conceded all week. Furthermore, the home crowd drove Pirates forward from the opening minute and made the stadium feel like a fortress. As a result, Sekhukhune faced an uphill battle from the very start.
Pirates took control early. Oswin Appollis forced goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata into a stretching save with a low curling shot that threatened the near post. That early pressure set the tone. Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a well-taken finish that sent the crowd into delirium. Lunga added a second just three minutes later to make it 3-0 on aggregate. Furthermore, the two goals in quick succession ended Sekhukhune’s slim hopes before half-time. As a result, the second half became a formality with Pirates comfortable throughout.
The second half was controlled rather than spectacular. Pirates managed the game with the confidence of a team that knew the job was done. Sekhukhune continued to work hard but could not create enough to seriously threaten goalkeeper Richard Ofori. Moremi added a late third deep into injury time to complete the rout. Furthermore, the final whistle brought scenes of celebration as Pirates supporters marked five consecutive MTN8 final appearances. As a result, what started as a tightly contested tie ended as a convincing aggregate victory for the Buccaneers.
The week as a whole was remarkable for Pirates. They met Sekhukhune United three times in seven days and won all three without conceding a single goal. The first leg in Polokwane on 22 August ended 1-0. The Betway Premiership match on 25 August ended 2-0. Saturday’s cup second leg ended 3-0. Furthermore, across the three matches Pirates scored six goals and conceded none. As a result, it was a week Sekhukhune will want to forget and one Pirates will remember for a long time.
Pirates went into the match without several key players. Andre de Jong continued his recovery from a muscle strain. Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi remained out with a knock from the first leg. Furthermore, the absences did not affect Pirates’ ability to dominate. The depth of José Riveiro’s squad allowed the Buccaneers to field a strong lineup without their key absentees. As a result, Pirates showed the squad depth that has made them the most formidable club in South African football over the past two seasons.
Pirates are defending MTN8 champions. Five consecutive final appearances underline their remarkable consistency in the competition. Furthermore, Pirates sit at the top of the Betway Premiership table after the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season. They won the league title in 2025/26 and are chasing back-to-back titles alongside a successful MTN8 defence. As a result, the Buccaneers head into the final as clear favourites and as the dominant force in South African club football.
José Riveiro has transformed Orlando Pirates since arriving at the club. The Spanish coach brought tactical discipline, squad depth and a winning mentality. His ability to rotate without losing quality has defined his tenure. Furthermore, his relationship with the Orlando Amstel Arena crowd is exceptional. The home faithful are fully bought into his vision and philosophy. As a result, Pirates under Riveiro have become one of the most complete club operations on the African continent and Saturday’s win was another reminder of what they are capable of at their best.
Editors Note All match statistics and results are based on confirmed reports from Orlando Amstel Arena on 29 August 2026.