MTN8: Can Orlando Pirates make it three on the bounce?

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole, updated on

he 2024/25 PSL season will kick off with the MTN8 quarterfinals, with Orlando Pirates aiming to defend their crown. The Buccaneers have won the tournament twice consecutively. Can they make it three on the trot?

Last season, Ezimnyama Ngenkani downed Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties in the final to go on and lift the trophy at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

In the 2022/23 season, the Soweto giants emerged triumphant with a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu in the final, which took place at the same venue in Durban. This marked Jose Riveiro's first trophy in his debut season in South Africa.

Pirates have earned the name “kings of cups” having also won the Nedbank Cup twice consecutively. 

MTN8 will be launched in Auckland Park, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 31 July this week. 

In the quarterfinals, Sea Robbers find themselves in a tough battle against SuperSport United in a match that will be played on Saturday, 3 August at 6pm at Orlando Stadium.

The draw was automatically completed after the end of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season. 

Pirates ended the campaign in second position while Matsatsantsa finished in seventh place.

Riveiro’s troops failed to beat the Tshwane side last season. SuperSport won the league’s first round meeting with 3-1 while the second one ended in a 1-1 draw. Pirates last won against Gavin Hunt’s side in the 2022/23 season.

If the Bucs advance to the semifinals, they may potentially encounter Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, TS Galaxy, or Polokwane City, depending on the outcomes of the initial round.

FULL DETAILS – MTN8 QUARTERFINALS 

  • Orlando Pirates vs SuperSport United 

Date: Saturday, 3 August 

Kickoff: 6pm

Venue: Orlando Stadium 

  • Stellenbosch FC vs TS Galaxy 

Date: Sunday, 4 August

Kickoff: 3pm

Venue: Danie Craven Stadium 

  • Sekhukhune United vs Cape Town City

Date: Saturday, 10 August 

Kickoff: 3pm

Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium

  • Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City

Date: Sunday, 11 August 

Kickoff: 3pm 

Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.