Pirates fans convinced of MTN8 glory after spotting returning star

Orlando Pirates meet Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday at Moses Mabhida. Sea Robbers supporters sound unbelievably bullish about their chances.

Mbatha to start the MTN8 final for Orlando Pirates

Midfield dynamo Thalente Mbatha has been in full training and could feature for the defending champions in Saturday’s MTN8 final against Sundowns. 26-year-old Mbatha has been absent with a knee injury for just shy of two months. Supporters in comment sections across social media are delighted to see him back on the green grass and sound confident he can steer them to an unprecedented fifth MTN8 crown on the bounce. Pirates vs Sundowns on 10 October at Moses Mabhida kicks off at 18:00.

**Appollis is red-hot **

Meanwhile, French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg is monitoring Oswin Appollis’ performances at Orlando Pirates. This follows rumoured interest from Portuguese giants Porto. The 25-year-old shone against Eritrea in a recent 5-0 win, bagging three assists, matching a feat he also achieved against Congo in 2024. He’s got two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership outings this term too.

Meet your favourite Orlando Pirates superstars

Pirates have MTN8 business to attend to at Moses Mabhida, but before that, you’ve got the opportunity to meet the players on Friday, 9 October, at Studio 88 in Durban Central from 12:00 until 13:00. There’s also a chance to brush shoulders with the Bucs superstars at the Pavilion Shopping Centre from 12:00 until 17:00.

𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓_𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇

🏆 #WAFAFA 2026 FINAL
🆚 @Masandawana
🗓 10 October 2026
⏰ 18H00
🏟 @MMStadium
🎟 SOLD-OUT

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/49bcTjyVax

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates)

October 7, 2026

Pirates fans, what are your predictions for this Saturday’s MTN8 final? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂