Pirates make MTN8 history – but Chiefs still reign supreme!

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Pirates make MTN8 history – but Chiefs still reign supreme!
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi

In a historic moment for South African football, Orlando Pirates have etched their name into the MTN8 record books by becoming the first team to win the prestigious cup four times in a row.

In a final played at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday evening, the Sea Robbers downed Stellenbosch FC with a 3-0 scoreline to lift their first trophy under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Their latest triumph in the 2025-26 edition marks a remarkable era of dominance in the competition, but even amid the celebrations, there’s a stat that might sting for the Buccaneers faithful, Kaizer Chiefs still hold the overall record for most MTN8 titles.

Kaizer Chiefs trumps Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs more successful than Orlando Pirates in MTN8

Pirates’ MTN8 Legacy Grows

The Buccaneers’ latest victory brings their total MTN8 titles to 14, just one shy of Chiefs’ record 15. Pirates’ titles span across decades, showcasing their consistency and pedigree in knockout football:

Pre-PSL Era: 1972, 1974, 1978, 1983, 1993, 1996

Early PSL Era: 2000–01

MTN8 Era (since 2008–09): 2010–11, 2011–12, 2020–21, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26

This latest win also extends their record for most MTN8 titles in the PSL era (8), with seven of those coming since the tournament was rebranded as the MTN8.

 A Golden Run of Form

Pirates’ recent cup form has been nothing short of phenomenal:

Five MTN8 titles in the last six seasons, only missing out in 2021-22.

Six wins in their last seven domestic cup finals, including back-to-back Nedbank Cup triumphs in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

14 wins in their last 21 MTN8 matches, with just two defeats and five draws.

Three wins in four cup finals at Mbombela Stadium, their latest fortress.

Chiefs Still on Top – For Now

Despite Pirates’ surge, Kaizer Chiefs remain the kings of the MTN8 with 15 titles. While Amakhosi have struggled in recent years, their historical dominance in the competition still gives them bragging rights for now.

<!-- Author Start -->Nkosiyabuya Sithole<!-- Author End -->

Nkosiyabuya Sithole

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  • Live sporting events expert

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.

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