The 2026/27 MTN8 begins this weekend, with Orlando Pirates starting their defence of the trophy as they attempt to become the first club to win the competition in five consecutive seasons.
The defending champions face Durban City in one of four quarter-finals taking place on Saturday, 8 August and Sunday, 9 August, as South Africa’s top eight teams compete for the first silverware of the new campaign.
However, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has not yet confirmed the official kick-off times or venues for the matches. The lack of final details, just days before the tournament starts, has left supporters waiting for confirmation of the schedule.
Orlando Pirates will headline Saturday’s programme when they meet Durban City, hoping to make a positive start to their bid to retain the MTN8 crown. The Buccaneers began their Betway Premiership campaign with a convincing victory and will be aiming to take that momentum into the first knockout competition of the season.
Last season, Orlando Pirates secured the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory over Stellenbosch in the final. The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, before Tshepang Moremi put the Buccaneers ahead in the 92nd minute.
Tshegofatso Mabasa added a second goal before Moremi completed his brace in the 110th minute, sealing a 3-0 success and giving Orlando Pirates another Wafa Wafa title.
A win in this year’s competition would give Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 championship. No club has previously achieved that feat.
Saturday’s second quarter-final brings together Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City. Mamelodi Sundowns possess one of the strongest squads in the country, but Polokwane City have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to frustrate leading teams through a disciplined and well-organised style.
The first match on Sunday sees Kaizer Chiefs return to the MTN8 after missing last season’s competition. Amakhosi will face Lamontville Golden Arrows in a tie expected to feature attacking football, with both sides seeking a place in the semi-finals.
Kaizer Chiefs have made an impressive start to the Betway Premiership under Fernando da Cruz and will hope to build further confidence by advancing in the Wafa Wafa competition.
The weekend’s final quarter-final will see AmaZulu play Sekhukhune United. The two clubs also began their Betway Premiership campaigns with victories, setting up a closely contested meeting between teams who will believe they can continue their strong starts by reaching the last four.
The four winners will progress to the semi-finals, although the PSL is yet to release the confirmed match times and venues for the opening round.
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