The battle for qualification to next season’s MTN8 has entered its decisive phase, with only one place still left to be confirmed as the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season approaches its conclusion.
A review of the current standings shows that Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City have already secured their places in South Africa’s prestigious top-eight competition, while several other clubs have also mathematically guaranteed qualification.
If the league season ended now, the MTN8 line-up would include Mamelodi Sundowns, Durban City, Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows, AmaZulu FC and Sekhukhune United.
However, Durban City remain the only side whose place is not yet fully secure heading into the final round of fixtures.
Both Stellenbosch FC and Siwelele FC still have a mathematical chance of overtaking them depending on results next Saturday, leaving one final MTN8 ticket still up for grabs.
The final weekend therefore carries enormous significance for the clubs involved, particularly given the financial rewards attached to the competition.
The winners of the MTN8 are set to receive R10 million, while each of the remaining seven participating clubs will earn R1 million simply for qualifying.
Beyond the immediate qualification race, the standings have also once again highlighted the long-running rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
The latest campaign will see Pirates finish above their Soweto rivals once again, continuing a trend that has increasingly favoured the Buccaneers in recent years.
Since the beginning of the PSL professional era in 1996/97, Pirates have now finished above Chiefs on 15 occasions, while Chiefs have ended higher 14 times.
Recent seasons, however, have tilted heavily in Pirates’ favour, with the club finishing above Chiefs in seven of the last nine campaigns.
Historical comparisons between the two clubs also underline changing periods of dominance.
Chiefs recorded their biggest finishing advantage over Pirates in the 2016/17 season when they ended seven places higher, while Pirates achieved their largest gap in 2023/24 by finishing eight places above their rivals.
Despite the rivalry between the Soweto giants, Mamelodi Sundowns continue to dominate South African football overall.
Sundowns have won 16 league titles in the PSL era, far more than any other club, while Chiefs and Pirates have each lifted the championship four times.
SuperSport United have three league titles, while former champions Manning Rangers, Santos FC and Bidvest Wits each won one title before their exits from top-flight football.
The MTN8 remains one of the most important competitions in South African football, with clubs viewing qualification as both a financial boost and an opportunity to build momentum before the start of a new campaign.
With most positions now settled, attention will firmly focus on Durban City and their challengers as the race for the final remaining spot reaches its conclusion.
