When last did Pirates and Downs play each other in a Cup final?

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have played each other in various cup competitions over the years but hardly in finals.

The last time the Buccaneers played Downs in a final was back in 2008.

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Brent Carelse scored the winning goal for Sundowns in October 2008 to hand the Brazilians the SAA Super 8. Since then, Downs have only won the competition once and that was back in 2021.

Orlando Pirates on the other hand, won the MTN8 four times since that defeat 15 years ago.

The final, which is sold out, will be played on Saturday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Buccaneers come into the game having lost three of their last four games.

Orlando Pirates expected to “catch hands” in the final

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One can say they lost their last four games given the fact that they were knocked out 5-4 on penalties by Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League last week.

Pirates coach said the result was unaccesptable.

A difficult night. It’s not acceptable, this team is built and prepared to go to the Champions League group stage,” Riveiro said after the match.

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“So, we can’t accept this result and say, ‘we’re unlucky’. Nobody feels proud of the result. We must accept it, analyse it and take responsibility for the defeat.

“The coach more than anybody else and we need to do a proper reflection about our participation in this competition because obviously it wasn’t good enough,” said the Pirates coach.

The Sea Robbers play Sundowns on Saturday in the MTN8 final; kick-off time is 18:00.

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