By Shihaam IsaacsSouth Africa sports betting writer
Updated 30 October 2026
The MTN8 is South Africa’s season opening cup for the eight best clubs from the previous Betway Premiership season, first played in 1972. Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2026 MTN8, beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October 2026. This guide covers the format, the 2026 final, past winners and the clubs with the most titles.
MTN8 key facts
- Organiser
- Premier Soccer League (PSL)
- Teams
- Top 8 of the previous Betway Premiership
- First played
- 1972, as the BP Top 8
- 2026 winner
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Most titles
- Kaizer Chiefs, 15
- Winner’s prize
- R10 million (2026)
- Played
- August to October
How the MTN8 works
Only the top eight clubs from the previous Betway Premiership season qualify for the MTN8. The quarter finals pair first against eighth, second against seventh, third against sixth and fourth against fifth; the semi finals are played over two legs, and a single final decides the cup, usually in October.
The cup has carried three names: the BP Top 8 from 1972 to 2002, the SAA Supa 8 from 2003 to 2007 and the MTN8 since 2008. The winner’s prize for 2026 was R10 million.
2026 MTN8 final result
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday 10 October 2026. Teboho Mokoena scored in the 11th minute and substitute Iqraam Rayners added a stoppage time penalty, while Ronwen Williams saved a penalty from Gamphani Lungu. It was the first MTN8 for coach Miguel Cardoso and ended Pirates’ run of four straight titles from 2022 to 2025.
Pirates reached the final by beating Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate. Sundowns drew 3-3 on aggregate with Golden Arrows and went through on away goals.
MTN8 winners since 2015
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2025 | Orlando Pirates |
| 2024 | Orlando Pirates |
| 2023 | Orlando Pirates |
| 2022 | Orlando Pirates |
| 2021 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2020 | Orlando Pirates |
| 2019 | SuperSport United |
| 2018 | Cape Town City |
| 2017 | SuperSport United |
| 2016 | Bidvest Wits |
| 2015 | Ajax Cape Town |
Most MTN8 titles
Kaizer Chiefs lead the all time list with fifteen titles, one more than Orlando Pirates. Sundowns’ 2026 win was their first since 2021.
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Kaizer Chiefs | 15 |
| Orlando Pirates | 14 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 5 |
| Moroka Swallows | 3 |
| Bidvest Wits | 3 |
| SuperSport United | 3 |
Latest MTN8 news
-
Sundowns Beat Pirates 2-0 to Win the 2026 MTN8 in Durban
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday 10 October to…
-
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Meet in the MTN8 Final on 10 October
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet in the MTN8 final on Saturday 10 October. Pirates put Sekhukhune…
MTN8 FAQ
Who won the 2026 MTN8?
Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2026 MTN8, beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final in Durban on 10 October 2026. Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners scored.
Which teams play in the MTN8?
The eight clubs that finished highest in the previous Betway Premiership season play in the MTN8. First place meets eighth in the quarter finals, second meets seventh, and so on.
Which club has won the most MTN8 titles?
Kaizer Chiefs have won the cup fifteen times, more than any other club. Orlando Pirates are second with fourteen.
How much does the MTN8 winner get?
The 2026 MTN8 winner received R10 million.
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