The countdown to the 2026 MTN8 Final is officially on, with Durban's iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium confirmed as the host venue for this year's showpiece on 10 October.
Orlando Pirates, the designated home side, will take centre stage in a stadium synonymous with their MTN8 success. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm CAT, live on SuperSport, with supporters expected to flock to the venue for another chapter in one of South African football's most celebrated cup competitions.
The PSL announced that tickets for the final will go on sale on Friday, 2 October at 10am CAT.
This year's decider marks the 11th MTN8 Final to be staged at Moses Mabhida Stadium, further cementing the Durban venue's status as the spiritual home of the competition. Few clubs have enjoyed the ground quite as much as Pirates, who will be appearing in their eighth MTN8 Final at the stadium.
The Buccaneers have lifted five MTN8 trophies there and arrive with a formidable record, having won their last four finals at the venue. Their only defeat in an MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida came against Kaizer Chiefs in the memorable Soweto Derby showdown of 2014.
The venue also holds special memories for the Buccaneers' supporters after Pirates defeated Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties in the 2023 final following a tense goalless draw. It was another dramatic night in Durban, a city that has delivered no shortage of unforgettable MTN8 moments over the years.
For Sundowns, this will be a third MTN8 Final appearance at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Brazilians claimed their maiden MTN8 title there in 2021 after overcoming Cape Town City on penalties, before suffering defeat to Pirates via another shoot-out two years later.
Remarkably, both of Sundowns' previous MTN8 finals at the venue were decided from the spot.
A Venue Built for Drama
Since hosting its first MTN8 Final in 2010, Moses Mabhida Stadium has produced a rich collection of memorable encounters, dramatic penalty shoot-outs and iconic moments.
The inaugural final at the venue saw Pirates edge Moroka Swallows on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Three years later, Platinum Stars denied the Buccaneers in another shoot-out after Robert Ng'ambi's opener was cancelled out by a late Thabo Matlaba equaliser.
The stadium then hosted the last Soweto Derby MTN8 Final in 2014, when Kaizer Chiefs claimed bragging rights thanks to Tefu Mashamaite's decisive header.
Durban has also witnessed back-to-back finals between SuperSport United and Cape Town City in 2017 and 2018, with both contests requiring penalties to separate the teams. Benni McCarthy's City side suffered heartbreak in the first meeting before gaining revenge a year later.
Pirates returned to the winner's circle in 2020, fighting back from an early Bloemfontein Celtic lead through goals from Deon Hotto and Thembinkosi Lorch. Sundowns followed with their historic first MTN8 triumph in 2021, inspired by Denis Onyango's heroics in a penalty shoot-out victory over Cape Town City.
More recently, Monnapule Saleng's stunning free-kick secured the trophy for Pirates against AmaZulu in 2022, before another penalty shoot-out success over Sundowns in 2023 extended their remarkable dominance in the competition. The Buccaneers added yet another title in 2024 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch.
As the MTN8 returns to Moses Mabhida for an 11th occasion, the stage is once again set for a memorable night. With a refreshed stadium, a rich history of drama and silverware, and two of the country's biggest football powerhouses preparing for battle, all the ingredients are in place for another unforgettable final under the Durban lights.