Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

This weekend, football fans across the globe are in for a double dose of high-stakes drama, and Showmax Premier League is your front-row seat to all the action.

From the iconic streets of Manchester to the heart of South African football, two of the most anticipated clashes of the season will unfold.

The battles are about more than just points or a trophy: they are about bragging rights, city rights, and the very soul of two of the world's most passionate footballing nations.

Showmax Premier League will have both the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch, and the Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, live and in their full glory.

Ahead of the mouth-watering games this weekend, Showmax previewed both mega clashes ahead of kick off.

Watch the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch on Saturday, 13 September at 18:00, as well as the Manchester derby between Man City and Man United on 14 September at 17:30 live on Showmax Premier League

MTN8 Final

Clash of Glory: Orlando Pirates chase history, Stellenbosch eye redemption

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Orlando Pirates take on Stellenbosch FC in the 2025 MTN8 final at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 13 September 2025. This clash promises to be a spectacle, with both teams bringing momentum, passion, and the desire to etch their names into South African football history.

Orlando Pirates chasing history

Orlando Pirates have been dominant in recent MTN8 tournaments, securing the title in the last three consecutive seasons. Their journey to this final has been nothing short of dramatic. In the semi-finals, they faced the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the aggregate score stood 2-2. The second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium was a tense affair, but Pirates held their nerve, winning 4-1 on penalties to advance to their fourth consecutive MTN8 final.

Pirates’ pursuit of unprecedented legacy

In 2022, Pirates edged AmaZulu 1-0 in Durban to lift the trophy. In 2023, they repeated the feat by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties after a gripping final, and in 2024, they overpowered Stellenbosch 3-1 to clinch a historic third title in a row.

Now, with Abdeslam Ouaddou at the helm, the Soweto giants are looking to extend their reign into uncharted territory. For Pirates, this final is about more than silverware; it is about cementing their legacy in South African football history.

Stellenbosch FC: Hunting their first major title

For Stellenbosch FC, last season’s disappointment is motivation to lift their first major trophy this year. In the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United, Kazie Enyinnaya struck early with a towering header from a precise corner, and Devin Titus doubled the lead with a composed finish off a fine assist, solidifying their 2–0 advantage at home. Both players underlined their importance: Enyinnaya with his aerial prowess, and Titus with his clinical execution in front of goal. Coach Steve Barker’s side showed they’re not just contenders, but capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.

Pirates' key players to watch

• Kamogelo Sebelebele, who scored a crucial goal in the first leg against Sundowns, unveiling his composure under pressure.
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the young defender who has been solid at the back and will be crucial in containing Stellies’ attack.

Stellenbosch FC: The rising contenders

Stellenbosch FC have been the underdogs in this competition but have shown immense growth and determination. In the semi-finals, they faced Sekhukhune United. The first leg at Danie Craven Stadium saw Stellies take a commanding 2-0 lead. In the return leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium, they drew 1-1, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory to reach their second consecutive MTN8 final.

Stellenbosch key players to watch

• Devin Titus: the striker’s clinical finishing has been a highlight, and he’ll be looking to add to his tally in the final.
• Kazie Enyinnaya, the defender’s aerial prowess and leadership in the back will be crucial in dealing with Pirates attacking threats.
• Lesiba Nku, his creativity in midfield has been instrumental in unlocking opposition defences.

Manchester Derby Showdown: United seek redemption, City chase Consistency in Etihad Clash

Red Devils ready to battle against Citizens

Manchester is about to stand still as the Red Devils and the Citizens collide in one of football’s fiercest rivalries. The Manchester Derby has always been more than just a game; it’s a clash of pride, history, and ambition that grips the city and the football world beyond. This weekend’s showdown at the Etihad promises to be no different. With Pep Guardiola’s City looking to restore their dominance and Rúben Amorim’s United eager to prove they are a force on the rise, the stage is set for ninety minutes of pure drama. From tactical battles on the touchline to explosive moments on the pitch, every kick, tackle, and roar from the stands will add to a fixture that never fails to deliver.

United under Amorim

For United, the spotlight shines on Rúben Amorim, who took charge in November 2024 and has already etched his name into the derby story with a dramatic 2–1 victory at the Etihad in December last year.

Since then, however, his tenure has been a rollercoaster. United enter the derby fresh from a dramatic 3–2 stoppage-time win over Burnley, but the joy of that result has been tempered by off-field turbulence, including a stunning 12–11 penalty shootout exits at the hands of League Two’s Grimsby Town.

Injuries add to Amorim’s worries, with doubts lingering over Matheus Cunha and Diogo Dalot. Still, Bruno Fernandes remains central, driving the team forward with his creativity and influence.

Guardiola’s City seeks consistency

Across the city, Pep Guardiola continues to shape Manchester City’s quest for dominance. His side has looked inconsistent in recent weeks, with surprising defeats to Brighton and Tottenham leaving fans frustrated.

Yet Guardiola’s men sent out a timely reminder of their quality with a commanding 4–0 victory over Wolves, underlining their ability to reset and rediscover their ruthless edge when it matters most.

The rising danger of Manchester United after their brilliant new signings

Manchester United’s new additions, Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha, have injected fresh energy and attacking threat into the Red Devils, making them a danger to the Citizens this weekend.

Šeško’s speed, strength, and intelligent movement offer United a constant aerial and physical threat, while Mbeumo has already made his mark by earning Manchester United’s Player of the Month award for August, reflecting his sharp finishing, confidence, and ability to deliver in crucial moments.

This recognition is more than just a personal accolade; it signals a player in peak form, ready to rise to the occasion in big matches.

With Mbeumo in such impressive rhythm, United’s attack could be sharper and more unpredictable than ever, potentially forcing City’s defenders into difficult situations and giving Amorim’s side a significant edge in the derby.

The combination of Šeško’s physical presence and Mbeumo’s sharp finishing could pose fresh tactical problems for Guardiola’s side, and if they find their rhythm, the Red Devils might have the firepower to turn the derby in their favour.

The last time they met

The last time the rivals met was 6 April 2025, a tense affair that ended goalless at Old Trafford. Both teams struggled to land the killer blow, with City unable to impose their usual dominance and United failing to capitalise on their flashes of creativity. That stalemate followed United’s famous December win at the Etihad, which remains Amorim’s standout result since taking over.

What's at stake this weekend

Now, the stage is set once more. City will look to seize control through possession and sharp attacking patterns, while United will lean on Fernandes and Amorim’s tactical nous to spring an upset.

Both teams arrive with something to prove Guardiola intent on restoring City’s consistency, Amorim eager to show United are a rising force again.

Derby day promise

Derby day in Manchester never disappoints, and this one promises all the tension, drama, and electricity fans have come to expect. Whether it’s City’s flair or United’s resilience that defines the day, the only guarantee is ninety minutes of unmissable theatre.

Catch every moment of the Manchester derby, the Red Devils vs Citizens, live. Plus, the action from the Gunners battle with Forest, the Bees buzzing against the Blues, and the Red clashing with Clarets.

All the action, all the weekend, on Showmax, your home of live Premier League football.