The curtain comes down on the 2026 MTN8 with yet another opportunity for history to be written in South African football's most prestigious top-eight competition. As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes turn to a final that carries the weight of more than five decades of tradition, legacy and unforgettable moments. Watch the action live on SuperSport this Saturday at 6pm CAT.
The MTN8 has travelled a remarkable journey since its inception as the BP Top Eight in 1972. Now in its 52nd edition and the 19th under the MTN8 banner, the tournament remains one of the most coveted trophies on the local football calendar, reserved exclusively for the previous season's top eight league finishers.
No club embodies the competition's rich history quite like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers were the inaugural champions, defeating their fierce Soweto rivals over two legs to lift the first top-eight trophy in 1972. More than half a century later, both clubs continue to dominate the tournament's record books. Kaizer Chiefs remain the most successful side in the competition's history with 15 titles, while Orlando Pirates sit close behind on 14 triumphs.
For Pirates, this year's final represents yet another milestone. The Buccaneers are featuring in their 21st MTN8 final and become the first side to reach five consecutive finals, underlining their remarkable consistency in the modern era. Their recent dominance has been particularly striking, having lifted the trophy in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The competition's history is filled with iconic names, dramatic encounters and memorable achievements. Coaches such as Stanley Tshabalala and Jose Riveiro share the record for most MTN8 titles won as head coaches, with three each. Meanwhile, respected figures including Pitso Mosimane, Gordon Igesund, Muhsin Ertugral and Manqoba Mngqithi have all etched their names into the tournament's folklore with title-winning campaigns of their own.
The MTN8's history has also produced its fair share of extraordinary stories. From the first-ever tournament match in 1972, when Pirates recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Moroka Swallows 4-3, to record-breaking scorelines and dramatic penalty shootouts, the competition has consistently delivered footballing theatre.
As another final arrives, those historic moments serve as a reminder of what is at stake. Every MTN8 decider offers players, coaches and supporters the chance to become part of a legacy that stretches back more than 50 years. For the finalists, victory would not simply mean lifting a trophy. It would mean securing a place in one of South African football's most treasured traditions and adding another memorable chapter to the enduring story of the MTN8.
MOST TITLES
- Kaizer Chiefs 15
- Orlando Pirates 14
- Mamelodi Sundowns 4
- Moroka Swallows 3 / SuperSport United 3
- BIDVest Wits 2
- Arcadia/ Bloemfontein Celtic / Jomo Cosmos / Lamontville Golden Arrows / Santos 1
Most Titles PSL Era
- Orlando Pirates (2000, 2010, 2011, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) 8
- Kaizer Chiefs (2001, 2006, 2008, 2014) 4
- SuperSport United (2004, 2017, 2019) 3
- Mamelodi Sundowns (2007, 2021) 2
- Bloemfontein Celtic (2005) / Jomo Cosmos (2003) / Ajax Cape Town (2015) / Lamontville Golden Arrows (2009) / Moroka Swallows (2012) / Santos (2002) / BIDVest Wits (2016), Cape Town City 1
MOST FINALS APPEARANCES
- Kaizer Chiefs 21
- Orlando Pirates 20
- Mamelodi Sundowns 11
- Moroka Swallows 7
- SuperSport United 7
- BIDVest 6
Most Finals appearances PSL Era
- Orlando Pirates 11 (2000, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- Kaizer Chiefs 7 (2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015), SuperSport United 7 (2004, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Mamelodi Sundowns 6 (2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2021, 2024)
- Moroka Swallows 3 (2003, 2010, 2012) / Ajax Cape Town (2000, 2009, 2015)
MTN8 FACTS
- The 2026 edition of the MTN8 tournament is the 52nd edition of the competition, which originally started out as the BP Top Eight in 1972
- This is the 19th edition of the tournament to be played under the name of the MTN8; the first under its current name was in 2008
- Orlando Pirates were the winners of the inaugural top eight tournament in 1972, defeating arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs over two legs to lift the trophy
- Kaizer Chiefs are the most successful team in the tournament, having won the title on 15 occasions, followed by Orlando Pirates on 14 wins.
- Chiefs have featured in 21 MTN8 finals their first was in 1972 and their most recent was in 2015; Orlando Pirates are featuring in their 21st final.
- Pirates are appearing in a record fifth MTN8 final in a row.