Pirates have competed in 20 previous finals of the Top Eight competition since it was first played in 1972, winning 14 of those to go with six defeats. They have won their last five trips to the decider, all coming in the previous six years.

Their clash with Sundowns will therefore be their 21st final in the competition, drawing them level with Chiefs for the most appearances in the lucrative decider.

Chiefs have won 15 of those, though they have not lifted the trophy since 2014, and so Pirates can also draw level with them at the top of the winners’ list this season.

The Amakhosi were once the undisputed kings of this competition, but no more.

The pair competed in the very first Top Eight final in 1972, with Pirates winning 3-2. Chiefs took the trophy in 1973, while Pirates won another edition completed in early 1974 before Chiefs claimed the title later that year.

Pirates are the first side to reach five consecutive finals. Since MTN took over sponsorship of the competition in 2008, the Buccaneers have appeared in nine deciders, winning seven of them.

Their only MTN8-era final defeats came in 2013 against Platinum Stars and 2014 against Chiefs.

Pirates’ six final defeats overall were against Chiefs (1974 and 2014), Moroka Swallows (1979), Witbank Black Aces (1980), Mamelodi Sundowns (2007) and Platinum Stars (2013).

Pirates and Sundowns have met in the final twice before: Sundowns won 1-0 in 2007, while the Soweto giants won the 2023 shootout after a 0-0 draw.

Pirates also have a strong history at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Across all cup competitions, they have played 11 previous finals there and won seven.