The 2025 MTN8 tournament officially launches the new South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) season on the weekend of August 2–3, bringing together last season’s top eight teams in a single-leg knockout format. Expect high-stakes football, intense rivalries, and a vibrant celebration of South African culture on and off the pitch, as the competition adopts the theme “Bazok’feela”—capturing the passion and pride of supporters[1][5].
Defending champions Orlando Pirates begin their title defense on Saturday afternoon with a home clash against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium. The Pirates, who have won the last three MTN8 titles, are seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive triumph. This season also marks the debut of new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following the departure of José Riveiro[2][4][3].
The full MTN8 quarter-final fixtures for 2025 are:
- Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City (August 2, 15:00 CAT, Orlando Stadium)
- Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy (Saturday evening, Peter Mokaba Stadium)
- Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu FC (Sunday, Danie Craven Stadium)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Richards Bay (Sunday, Loftus Versfeld Stadium)
The teams are seeded according to their league finish last season, with Mamelodi Sundowns (2024 PSL champions) facing eighth-placed Richards Bay and other ties following the standard ranking[1][4][3].
This year’s tournament not only focuses on football but also taps deeply into fan culture, music, fashion, and lifestyle. Notably, the MTN8 Goals for Charity initiative returns, pledging R20,000 for every goal scored to charitable causes—underscoring the event’s impact beyond the pitch. In addition, the “Last Journalist Standing” challenge continues, with one journalist set to win R80,000 for their contributions during the competition[5].
Former players and analysts, including ex-Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi, have highlighted the tournament’s unpredictability and the strong motivation for all participating teams to start the season with silverware. Fixtures will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC, ensuring fans can closely follow the drama as it unfolds[3][6].
References
- [1] MTN8 2025 season blazes in with ‘Bazok’feela’, where football …
- [2] Pirates chasing fourth straight MTN 8 title
- [3] Pirates legend anticipates exciting MTN8 showdown
- [4] MTN8 quarterfinals kick off new South African PSL season
- [5] PSL Make Major MTN8 Announced
- [6] MTN8 preview with football legends (SABC News)
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