South Africa will come to a standstill on Saturday evening when Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meet in the 2026 MTN8 Final.
Saturday’s final is going to be an interesting clash in all aspects, especially because both teams are returning to action for the first time in three weeks!
The international break came at the perfect time for Orlando Pirates, though, as many of their key players who were injured at the beginning of the season have returned to training and could feature against Sundowns!
The same can’t be said about Masandawana though, who had three vital players picking up injuries while on international duty with Bafana Bafana!
Injury updates from Pirates and Sundowns camps
The good news from the Orlando Pirates camp is that Mohau Nkota, Evidence Makgopa, Makhehleni Makhaula, and Thalente Mbatha have all returned to training for the Buccaneers and could feature against Sundowns.
Furthermore, Sihle Nduli and Andre De Jong are also nearing returns from injury, however, they’re unlikely to play any part in this weekend’s MTN8 final.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, key trio Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Bathusi Aubaas all face late fitness tests to determine whether they can play in the final after picking up injuries while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.
Khuliso Mudau, Arthur Sales, and Mothobi Mvala all remain sidelined with long-term injuries and will play no part in the MTN8 final. Action at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is scheduled to get underway at 18:00 on Saturday evening.
Despite the injury concerns in both camps, the quality of their squads is such that replacements are ready and more than able to slot in where required. One thing is for sure though, we’re in for a cracking evening of football in Durban.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
