Pirates and Sundowns coaches wheel out big guns in starting XIs for MTN8 final

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInMahlatse MphahleleSports reporter at Moses Mabhida Stadium

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandOrlando Pirates pitch inspection for the 2026 MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2026. Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his Mamelodi Sundowns counterpart Miguel Cardoso rolled out the big guns in their starting line-ups for the crunch MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Ouaddou recalled defender Deon Hotto and midfielder Thalente Mbatha, who missed recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier wins over Guinea and Eritrea for Bafana Bafana due to injury.

Sipho Chaine was the obvious choice between the sticks and he went with the central defensive partnership of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema, with Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele on the side.

In the heart of the midfield, Mbatha regained his position with Thapelo Mokobodi and they had support from Simphiwe Selepe, Gampani Lungu, Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma upfront.

Cardoso tapped into the vast experience of defender Aubrey Modiba and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who were a doubt for this clash after they suffered injuries on national duty.

Ronwen Williams will continue to captain the side, and his defence is made up of Khulumane Ndamane, Malibongwe Khoza, Thapelo Morema and Thabang Matuludi.

Mokoena and Marcello Allende continue their midfield partnership and elsewhere there are places for Nuno Santos, Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon as the lone striker.

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