Ouaddou praises MTN8 final as a showcase for South African football

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban for the MTN8 final, kicking off at 18:00. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed tickets sold out within hours, and no further sales will be allowed at the stadium.

Former Orlando Pirates player Abdeslam Ouaddou described the final as the perfect opportunity to present the best image of South African football to fans across the continent and around the world. Speaking to the media on 8 October, Ouaddou said, “It’s a game between two champions … so it’s a fantastic event for the country and for all football lovers.”

The match is seen not only as a high-stakes domestic showdown but also as a significant platform to showcase the talent and competitiveness of South African clubs on a broader stage. Orlando Pirates will attempt to claim their fifth consecutive MTN8 title, while Mamelodi Sundowns aim to halt that run.

Ouaddou emphasised the importance of managing key moments during the final. In comments made earlier in the week, he pointed out, “Key moments are the beginning of the game because a good start gives confidence to the team. To achieve that you need organisation, discipline and communication.”

The PSL’s announcement on 2 October confirmed all tickets were allocated rapidly, ensuring a full house at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This sold-out final promises a significant spectacle, drawing attention from local fans and football enthusiasts across Africa.

The MTN8 final’s timing and scale ensure it will be closely watched, with Ouaddou highlighting how important it is for both teams to represent South African football positively. While he described the global viewership as a fact of the event’s magnitude, official broadcast ratings are yet to be confirmed by the PSL.

This final continues a noteworthy rivalry between two of South Africa’s top clubs and serves as a key moment in the domestic football calendar. Orlando Pirates, with an impressive history in this competition, seek to extend their dominance, while Sundowns will look to claim the title and disrupt Pirates’ winning streak.

CapeFlats.co.za will monitor the match and provide updates on the outcome and any related developments in community and local football following the 10 October final.

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