Pirates favoured as MTN8 quarter-final fixtures confirmed

The first round of fixtures for the 2025/26 MTN8 was confirmed this past weekend following the conclusion of the Betway Premiership season.

Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs all finished inside the top three, the first time the country’s traditional “big three” have achieved that feat since the 2019/20 campaign.

The Buccaneers ended their 14-year wait for a league title after winning the Betway Premiership and will host Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals next season.

Amakhosi, who failed to qualify for the competition in the previous two seasons, are set to welcome Golden Arrows.

Sundowns will take on Polokwane City, while AmaZulu FC host Sekhukhune United after an impressive league campaign that saw Usuthu finish fourth.

Who are the favourites to win the MTN8?

With the top-eight line-up now confirmed, attention will quickly shift to who could lift the first trophy of the new season.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates will once again start as favourites after winning the MTN8 a record four consecutive times. Their dominance in knockout football, combined with renewed confidence after clinching the league title, makes them the team to beat.

Durban City ,however, could prove to be tricky opponents after showing resilience against Pirates earlier this month with a draw at Orlando Stadium.

Mamelodi Sundowns are also expected to mount a serious challenge.

Fresh from their CAF Champions League triumph, Masandawana will head into the new campaign eager to add more domestic silverware to their growing collection and finally reclaim the MTN8 title.

Kaizer Chiefs could emerge as the ’s dark horses. With renewed momentum after ending their absence from the competition, Amakhosi will believe they have what it takes to make a deep run and potentially add another MTN8 trophy to their cabinet.