Every name on the trophy

The MTN8 – as we know the cup competition today – was first contested back in 1972.

It features the top eight finishers from the previous season’s DStv Premiership with the champions facing the eighth-placed team, the runners-up taking on the seventh-placed side – and so on.

While the quarter-finals are one-off matches, the semi-finals are played over two legs.

The final will be a one-off match.

The overall winner will walk away a cool R10 million richer with the other seven competing sides all earning R1 million each.

Cellular giants MTN have sponsored the event since 2008.

Prior to that (from 1972 to 2002) it was known as BP Top Eight Cup (sponsored by BP) and the SAA Super Eight Cup from 2003 to 2007 (sponsored by South African Airways).

This year’s tournament is the 51st edition.

So who has tasted the most success the previous 50 times the competition was held?

No surprise to learn that Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs lead the way with 15 titles, followed by their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates with 13.

The Buccaneers have won three-straight MTN8 titles and will be looking to make that four on the trot this season.