Who have been the kings of the MTN8?

The Last Man Standing is a cherished prize in the MTN8 as it is awarded to players who have done the most to help their clubs to the trophy.

With this year’s competition on the horizon, we look at the past eight winners of the coveted award.

2014 - GEORGE MALULEKA (KAIZER CHIEFS)

Attacking midfielder Maluleka was sublime for Kaizer Chiefs as they lifted the MTN8 title, beating Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates 1-0 in the decider.

That goal was scored by Tefu Mashamaite, but Maluleka ensured his side got to their final by scoring three goals against Platinum Stars in their two-legged semifinal.

Maluleka later joined Mamelodi Sundowns and was part of the squad that won the trophy again in 2021, though he has since started a new chapter of his career at AmaZulu in the 20-22/23 season.

2015 - CECIL LOLO (AJAX CAPE TOWN)

This award was posthumously awarded to Ajax Cape Town right-back Cecil Lolo, who was killed in a car accident just a month after the Urban Warriors lifted the title by beating Chiefs in the final.

Lolo played every minute of that campaign for the side and was superb throughout, fully deserving of the recognition he received. He was just 27 at the time of his death.

2016 - DAINE KLATE (BIDVEST WITS)

Klate masterminded victory for BidVest Wits over Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2016 final as they romped to a 3-0 success. He scored twice, including in the opening minute to set the tone, as he added to his large array of trophies in a glittering career.

He later hung up his boots after a season at Chippa United and would become the DStv Diski Challenge coach for the club, before being elevated to head coach of the senior side this season. Unfortunately they have not qualified for the MTN8.

2017 - RONWEN WILLIAMS (SUPERSPORT UNITED)

Williams helped SuperSport to a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Cape Town City in the final, and conceded only two goals in the four games the team played in the competition.

He was sublime throughout and would hold that form for a number of years, lifting the trophy again with Matsatsantsa in 2019 as they beat Highlands Park 1-0 in the final.

He has moved across town to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns for the 2022/23 campaign and appears to have settled in well, where there is steep competition for a starting berth.

2018 - PETER LEEUWENBURGH (CAPE TOWN CITY)

The second year in a row the prize was won by a goalkeeper and this time it was Hollander Leeuwenburgh, who had only been at Cape Town City a matter of months when they beat SuperSport United in the final.

Again it was on penalties as Leeuwenburgh came up trumps and won the day for his team.

He stayed for three successful seasons at City, where he was the undisputed No 1, before leaving to join Dutch side Groningen in 2021/22. He was an ever-present in the Eredivisie last season but has started this campaign on the bench.

2019 - BRADLEY GROBLER (SUPERSPORT UNITED)

The experienced forward scored the winning goal in the final as SuperSport United saw off Highlands Park, his second in the tournament overall.

There is no question he is one of the most lethal finishers in the top flight, but has battled with fitness issues on and off for a number of seasons now.

But he is back in the side and will hope to fire SuperSport to the MTN8 title this season.

2020 - DEON HOTTO (ORLANDO PIRATES)

Hotto scored the opening goal in the final as Orlando Pirates beat his old side Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1, and was a constant thorn for all teams in the campaign.

His pace, direct running style and ability to fire in shots from all areas make him a deadly winger on his day.

He remains a key player for Pirates and will be one of the keys to success if they are to regain the MTN8 title this year.

2021 - ANDILE JALI (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS)

Jali had arguably one of the best seasons of his career in 2021/22 and that included leading the team to the MTN8 title among a clean sweep of domestic trophies.

He marshalled the midfield brilliantly and kept Mamelodi Sundowns on the front foot with his industrious play and intelligence on the ball.

There is plenty of competition in the Sundowns midfield, but even at the age of 32 he remains a key cog for them. Can he go back-to-back with The Brazilians?