Orlando Pirates Chase Historic Fourth Consecutive MTN8 Title

Orlando Pirates are on the brink of making history by chasing a fourth consecutive MTN8 title, a feat no South African club has achieved in any domestic competition. A win would bring the club’s total earnings from the tournament under MTN sponsorship closer to R70 million.

Since MTN became the sponsor of the Top8 competition in 2008, Pirates have reached nine finals. They have won six titles, claiming the trophy in 2010 under Ruud Krol, 2011 with Julio Leal, 2020 with Josef Zinnbauer, and the last three under Jose Riveiro.

Prize money has steadily increased. The club earned R8 million five times and R10 million last year when the winners’ payout was raised. This totals R50 million from championship wins, plus R8,8 million from the 11 years they did not win, bringing the overall MTN8 earnings to R58,8 million. A victory this year would add another R10 million, taking the total to R68,8 million.

MTN also pays R800 000 to each of the seven non-winning teams, ensuring all participants receive compensation.

Abdeslam Ouaddou will be aiming for his first trophy as Pirates coach in Saturday’s final at Mbombela Stadium. Kickoff is at 18:00. The match is a repeat of last year’s decider, which also saw Pirates lift the trophy.

A fourth straight MTN8 title would not only extend Pirates’ record as the most successful club in the competition under MTN but also cement their dominance in South African football history.