Orlando Pirates will once again compete for the R10 million winner’s prize in the MTN8 after dominating the competition in recent years.
The Buccaneers have lifted the trophy five times in the last six editions and head into this year’s tournament as overwhelming favourites.
Their consistency in the competition has been unmatched, with the Soweto giants establishing themselves as the team to beat.
Their only blemish during that period came in 2024 when they lost the first leg of their semi-final against Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium. The Sea Robbers however, recovered in the return leg to progress to the final on aggregate before going on to retain the trophy.
The last time Pirates failed to reach the MTN8 final was in 2021 but they had won it the previous year.
Who are Orlando Pirates playing in the MTN8 quarter-finals?
Pirates will host Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena next month in the quarter-finals.
The sides met in the penultimate league match of last season, where Durban City frustrated the newly-crowned Betway Premiership champions in a goalless draw.
Pirates, however, wrapped up the league title in their following match against Orbit College.
Following their pre-season tour of Spain, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men will shift their focus to the MTN8 as they bid to win a record-extending fifth consecutive title.
They are expected to face strong competition from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, who are both eager to end Pirates’ dominance in the competition.
Chiefs return to the MTN8 after missing out last season and have not lifted the trophy since 2014. Sundowns, meanwhile, will be looking to finally overcome Orlando Pirates after losing each of their last three MTN8 meetings against the Buccaneers.
