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Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

Winners and losers from the Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates MTN8 classic showdown! Kamogelo Sebelebele stands out again for Bucs as Sipho Chaine shuts down Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena to hand more pressure on Miguel Cardoso

Undeterred by an early setback, the Sea Robbers remained determined and were deservedly rewarded as they reached the final of the domestic tournament again.

Orlando Pirates took a giant step towards defending their MTN8 trophy after eliminating their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final second-leg encounter at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. 

The Sea Robbers, who conceded an early first-half goal scored by Iqraam Rayners, remained determined, fought hard, and equalised in the second half thanks to their new signing, Kamogelo Sebelebele. 

Despite facing the Premier Soccer League defending champions at their own turf, Bucs held their nerves and were precise in their shootout duties, converting all while Sundowns struggled in that regard. 

Now, GOAL analyses the game and picks out the winners and, of course, the losers from the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

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  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    WINNER: Abdeslam Ouaddou

    The Moroccan has been a man under pressure after Pirates started their PSL campaign with two straight defeats. 

    The win over Sundowns means that Pirates now have two straight victories after beating Stellenbosch in the league. 

    These results will work in favour of Ouaddou, as pressure now will be less.     

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  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    LOSER: Miguel Cardoso

    He has failed to lead the Tshwane giants to the final. After a 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium, Sundowns had an advantage going into the second leg game, but this did not count in the end. 

    With Sundowns failing again to leave a positive mark in the MTN8, Cardoso carries the full responsibility.  

  • Kamogelo Sebelebele, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    WINNER: Kamogelo Sebelebele

    He stood out yet again, and at a critical time when Pirates needed a saviour, he played that role heroically. 

    Pirates' dream of defending the trophy was hanging in the balance, but his equalising goal kept it alive, and in the end, Bucs are in the final again.

    He is turning out to be one of the best acquisitions that Pirates secured in the transfer window.   

  • Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    LOSER: Mamelodi Sundowns

    The Tshwane giants took the lead and wasted a number of chances that would have sealed their place in the final, but in the end, they could not.

    They were even more disappointing in the shootouts, only successfully converting one in three.   

  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    WINNER: Sipho Chaine

    The Bafana Bafana custodian made two saves, denying Sundowns stars Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende. 

    The 2024/25 Goalkeeper of the Season played his role perfectly, and his efforts have seen the Soweto giants advance.  

  • Patrick Masangwanyi, Orlando Pirates, Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns August 2025Backpage

    LOSER: Patrick Maswanganyi

    He was withdrawn in the first half at a time when Bucs were trailing and were in desperate search for an equaliser.

    The change could be understood to be a vote of no confidence in the attacking midfielder, and his place in the starting XI going forward is quite uncertain.