The MTN 8, a PSL competition inaugurated in 1972, brings together the eight highest-ranked teams from the previous season's national top-flight league table [currently Betway Premiership].
The MTN8 is always a highly anticipated competition, kicking off when fans are eager for new soccer action. It features the top eight teams from the previous season, guaranteeing high-quality matchups from the start.
Unlike a long league campaign, the MTN8 demands immediate top performance; teams must hit the ground running, as it's a short journey to the final, requiring only four wins to claim the trophy. This intense, fast-paced nature makes every game crucial and exciting for supporters.
FORMAT
Given it features eight teams, the MTN8 kicks off with quarter-finals structured as follows:
- 1st-place team v 8th-placed team
- 2nd-placed team v 7th-placed team
- 3rd-placed team v 6th-placed team
- 4th-placed team v 5th-placed team
The subsequent semi-finals are contested over two legs, leading to a single-match final between the semi-final victors.
PRIZE MONEY
The prize money for the competition is R10 million while the participating fee is now R1 million.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS IN 2025/26 SEASON
1 – Mamelodi Sundowns
The reigning Betway Premiership champions for an incredible eighth consecutive time, enter the competition as a dominant force. Having last won the MTN8 in 2021/22, defeating Cape Town City FC in the final, the Brazilians are eager to reclaim the title and will kick off their campaign against Richards Bay FC in the quarterfinals.
2 – Orlando Pirates
Ezimnyama Ngenkani arrive as the defending MTN8 champions, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title. Under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers will look to continue their recent cup dominance when they face Polokwane City in the quarterfinals.
3 – Stellenbosch FC
The Cape Winelands side will be looking to go one better this year after narrowly missing out on their first top-eight trophy last season, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the final despite scoring first. Stellies will begin their renewed quest against AmaZulu.
4 – Sekhukhune United
Babina Noko have consistently been a strong performer in recent seasons, even making their mark in CAF Competitions. Babina Noko are now determined to assert their authority domestically and will eye the MTN8 as their first opportunity for top-flight silverware, starting with a quarterfinal clash against TS Galaxy.
5 – TS Galaxy
The Rockets enter with a clear ambition to challenge for this competition, having reached the Carling Knockout Cup final in 2023/24 (losing to Stellenbosch) and being eliminated by Stellies in the MTN8 quarterfinals last year.
6 – AmaZulu
For Usuthu, this MTN8 presents another chance to end their now 33-year trophy drought. They came agonizingly close in 2022, losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the final. With an ambitious management team, Usuthu is determined to defy expectations this season.
7 – Polokwane City
The Rise and Shine who were knocked out by Mamelodi Sundowns in the first round last year, are looking to make history as they've never won a top-flight trophy. Their impressive form from last season suggests this could be their breakthrough opportunity.
8 – Richards Bay
Finally, Bay makes their historic debut in the MTN8, having been promoted to the PSL top-flight in 2022. The Natal Rich Boyz, like Polokwane, are hungry for their first top-flight silverware, but face a colossal challenge in their quarterfinal against a Sundowns side fresh from the FIFA Club World Cup.
