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 winner walks away R10 million richer.
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 will be the 50th edition.
So who has tasted the most success the previous 49 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 12.
Orlando Pirates are the defending champions and are looking for a hat-trick of titles in this weekend’s final against Stellenbosch FC.
The final will take place on Saturday, 5 October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
MTN8 ROLL OF HONOUR
Kaizer Chiefs – 15
Orlando Pirates – 12
Mamelodi Sundowns – 4
Moroka Swallows – 3
Bidvest Wits – 3
SuperSport United – 3
Arcadia Shepherds – 1
Santos – 1
Jomo Cosmos – 1
Witbank Black Aces – 1
Bloemfontein Celtic – 1
Golden Arrows – 1
Platinum Stars – 1
Ajax Cape Town – 1
City of Cape Town – 1
Who will lift the trophy on Saturday evening?
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