MTN8: 8 Stats Ahead Of The Final

Sundowns and Orlando Pirates clash in the MTN8 final this weekend, with the season’s first piece of silverware on the line. Despite Sundowns’ dominance on the local scene in recent years, the two teams have developed a mini-rivalry that brings an extra edge to this final. We ran through the archives and brought up eight interesting stats related to this tie.

Some Tournament History

49 – This is the 49th Top 8 competition of all time (since 1972). There were 25 editions before the PSL was established, while this is the 24th edition of the Top 8 in the PSL era (2000+).

The Clubs’ Top 8 Finals History

18 – Orlando Pirates are appearing in a Top8 final for the 18th time overall. Only Kaizer Chiefs (21) have been to more Top8 finals since 1972.

11 – Sundowns are appearing in their 11th Top8 final overall (since 1972), behind only Chiefs (21) & Pirates (18).

The Clubs’ Top 8 Finals History In The PSL Era

9 – Orlando Pirates are appearing in their ninth Top8 final in the PSL era, more than any other team. Indeed, Pirates have won the Top 8 the most times in the PSL era (5 times)

7 – Sundowns are appearing in their seventh Top8 final in the PSL era, as many as Chiefs & SuperSport. Only Pirates (9) have been to more.

Winning The Cup

11 – Pirates were the first-ever winners of the Top 8 back in 1972. Altogether, they have won the Top 8 11 times (1972, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, 1996 pre-pSL and then 2000, 2010, 2011, 2020, and 2022 in the PSL era)

4 – Sundowns have won the Top8 four times in the past (1988 and 1990 pre-PSL era, and then 2007 and 2021 in the PSL era).

Pirates Have Retained The Cup Before

2 – Only two clubs in SA football history have retained the Top8 title – Chiefs (1981-82 and 1991-92). Pirates 2010-11 and also 1996 – 2000 (there was no competition between 1997 & 1999).

Head-To-Head

14 – The two teams are meeting in the Top 8 competition for the 14th time, with each winning four times and five draws from the previous 13.