The MTN8 Puzzle: Mamelodi Sundowns’ Missing Piece

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their fourth year since they won the MTN8 with a quarter-final match against Richards Bay on Sunday August 3.

Sundowns will be attempting to win a trophy that has eluded them since 2021, having come close in all those years, including a loss in the final two years ago.

Since winning the MTN8, Sundowns have reached the semi-final twice, starting with 2022 when they were put to the sword by Orlando Pirates, who have won the last three titles.

That year, Sundowns started with a 2-0 win over local rivals SuperSport United, now Siwelele FC, before they faced Pirates in the semi-final.

Sundowns reached final but Pirates stood tall

The first leg went goalless but Pirates thrashed Sundowns 3-0 in the return match before they went all the way and beat AmaZulu 1-0 to win the trophy.

In 2023, Sundowns went one better and reached the final but could not get past Pirates yet again.

They beat Swallows 1-0 in the quarter-final before they took on Kaizer Chiefs in the semis, drawing 1-1 in the first leg, before they secured a 2-1 win in the return match to make it to the final after a 3-2 aggregate score.

However, in the final, both teams played out a goalless draw but Pirates won 3-1 on post-match penalties.

Can Miguel Cardoso’s team go one better this time?

Last year, Sundowns displayed signs of struggle from the start as they needed an own goal to beat Polokwane City 1-0 in the quarter-final but could not handle Stellenbosch FC in the semis.

Stellies won 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld in the first leg before securing a similar victory for a 2-0 aggregate score to eliminate Sundowns although they lost the final 3-1 to Pirates.

Heading into Sunday’s match, Sundowns have their work cut out in a tournament that has proved tough for them to win as they have only four overall titles but just one since it was renamed to MTN8 in 2008.