MTN launches its 2023/24 MTN8 tournament with a new trophy

August 10, 2023

Gv of the Trophy during the 2023 MTN8 Launch at the Supersport Studios, Johannesburg on the 10 August 2023 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MTN launched this year’s MTN8 tournament today, reminding fans that Is’khathi Sokuba Xtra because It’s Wafa Wafa Time! The 2023/24 MTN8 season marks the 16th edition of this prestigious cup competition.

The MTN8 tournament features the top eight clubs from the previous DStv Premiership season against one another to determine the ultimate victor, who will walk away with R8 million and the prestigious MTN8 trophy. This season’s winning team will be the first to lift the exquisite new trophy, and have their name engraved on it.

This year’s tournament features three Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Moroka Swallows, with Orlando Pirates as the reigning champions, having won the prestigious MTN8 trophy the previous season.

The two Tshwane greats, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, are hoping to reclaim their glory days in this exciting tournament. Furthermore, there are two Cape Town teams; Stellenbosch and Cape Town City while Sekhukhune United is boldly representing the Limpopo province.

While the MTN8 tournament always comes with great activities to excite football fans and MTN customers, with this year’s campaign Is’khathi Sokuba Xtra, MTN wants to see how fans, participating teams and media can stay in the game even when the odds are against them.

“Football is that one sport that resonates with everyone, from the young to the old no matter the background and this speaks to the MTN Brand values. The one key objective of our sponsorship is to bring football fans closer to their passions while enabling them opportunities to freely express themselves”, says Nomsa Chabeli, GM: Brand and Marketing, MTN SA.

Adding that: “We encourage fans and participating teams to show off how far and beyond they go for their teams, through their colourful content shared on social and digital platforms and the banters without worrying about not being connected. And in true essence bring “Is’khathi Sokuba Xtra. It’s Wafa Wafa time” to life”.

MTN encourages fans to ensure they share their experiences with their rivals or even friends and family be it verbally or on social and digital platforms. And should they run out of resources to stay connected and in the game, MTN is providing the help with MTN XtraTime.

Fans and MTN customers are encouraged to dial *136*2# to get MTN XtraTime now, pay later and stand a chance to win a share of R8 million in prizes, with one lucky fan standing a chance to win a whopping R1 million cash. Participants who recharge with MTN XtraTime from 12 August to 7 October and will be automatically entered into a draw.

The Is’khathi Sokuba Xtra theme does not only speak to the fans and costumers, but the teams that are participating in the tournament and the media. The football teams get inspired when they see how their supporters show up for them, and in turn put on a great show on the pitch with their skilful football tactics and scoring as many goals as possible to advance to the next challenge while leaving fans with fond memories.

To support the tournament, MTN will roll out campaign activities and demonstrate how fans, customers, and communities are rewarded through various opportunities.

The Goals for Charity initiative encourages the participating teams to score as many goals as possible to contribute to the pool of funds that will be donated to charitable organisations within the communities. MTN will continue to pledge R20 000 per goal scored in regulation time during the tournament. Last season, a total of RXX was donated to charity

In addition, Dream Bags, which contain football-playing kits, will be provided to schools as part of the MTN8 Legacy Programme to help budding football players in communities.

Keeping to the MTN8 tournament custom, eight football legends will partner with MTN to encourage customers and the football fans to participate in MTN8 related activities that have been put in place. These include:

Hlompho Kekana
Josta Dladla
Tyrin Arendse
Derrick Spenser
Lucky Lekgwathi
Brilliant Khuzwayo
Thabo Nthethe
Teffo Mashamaite

Furthermore, these legends will participate in the lucrative Last Legend Standing initiative, which aims to give back to communities or organisations they hold dear to heart.

Working with the media remains crucial for the campaign. The refreshed Last Journalist Standing competition will give the media a chance to showcase their football knowledge by competing in regional knock off competitions. The ultimate journo will have the bragging rights as the most knowledgeable in football and claim the R80 000 cash prize and title.

While this year marks a big milestone with the launch and reveal of the new trophy, fans will get the opportunity to capture their moment with it during the nationwide trophy tour. Fans can also participate in additional activities via MTN digital and social media platforms which will include interactive football content, quizzes, and the match predictor on the MTN8 ayoba channel, driving rivalry and passion, as well as some get some football-related content on MTN FC.