The MTN8 will stage its 52nd edition this season, with Kaizer Chiefs entering the tournament as the competition’s most successful club and Orlando Pirates aiming to extend their record run of consecutive victories.
Kaizer Chiefs have won the tournament 15 times, one more than Orlando Pirates’ 14 titles. Mamelodi Sundowns are the next most successful side, although they are some distance behind the two Soweto giants with four triumphs.
Pirates are seeking a fifth successive MTN8 title. Success would not only extend their record winning streak in the competition but would also move them level with Kaizer Chiefs’ overall total of 15 trophies.
The tournament, in its modern form, was first contested in 1972. This season’s competition will therefore be the 52nd edition.
The MTN8 is contested by the eight highest-placed teams from the previous season’s Betway Premiership. The quarter-final draw pairs the champions with the team that finished eighth, while the runners-up face the seventh-placed side. The remaining two ties follow the same ranking-based format.
Quarter-final ties are decided over a single match. The semi-finals are played across two legs, before the competition concludes with a one-off final.
MTN has sponsored the cup competition since 2008. Before the telecommunications company became involved, the tournament had two different names.
From 1972 to 2002, it was known as the BP Top Eight Cup, with BP as the sponsor. It then became the SAA Super Eight Cup between 2003 and 2007, during the period when South African Airways sponsored the event.
The financial rewards are also significant. The winners of this year’s tournament will receive R10 million, while each of the other seven participating teams is guaranteed R1 million, regardless of the stage at which they finish.
Kaizer Chiefs sit at the top of the all-time honours list with 15 titles, followed by Orlando Pirates on 14. Mamelodi Sundowns’ four victories place them third.
Moroka Swallows, Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United have each won the competition three times.
The remaining winners are Arcadia Shepherds, Santos, Jomo Cosmos, Witbank Black Aces, Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Platinum Stars, Ajax Cape Town and City of Cape Town, who have each lifted the trophy once.
The full MTN8 roll of honour is:
– Kaizer Chiefs – 15
– Orlando Pirates – 14
– Mamelodi Sundowns – 4
– Moroka Swallows – 3
– Bidvest Wits – 3
– SuperSport United – 3
– Arcadia Shepherds – 1
– Santos – 1
– Jomo Cosmos – 1
– Witbank Black Aces – 1
– Bloemfontein Celtic – 1
– Golden Arrows – 1
– Platinum Stars – 1
– Ajax Cape Town – 1
– City of Cape Town – 1
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