MTN8 prize confirmed as R10m with charity donations and fan jackpot returning

MTN have confirmed the prize money for this year’s MTN8, with the champions set to receive R10 million and R20,000 donated to charity for every goal scored during the tournament.

The announcement was made at the official launch of the competition by the Premier Soccer League on Wednesday evening.

The MTN8 will again feature the Last Fan Standing and Last Legend Standing competitions. One supporter will have the chance to win R1 million through the Last Fan Standing initiative.

This year’s tournament theme is “there can only be one” – referring both to the single team that will lift the trophy and the one fan who will secure the R1 million prize.

The competition begins on Saturday, when defending champions Orlando Pirates host Durban City at 15:00. Later that day, Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome Polokwane City, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

The quarter-finals continue on Sunday as AmaZulu face Sekhukhune United, before Kaizer Chiefs host Golden Arrows in the final match of the round.

Orlando Pirates won the MTN8 for a fourth consecutive season last year, defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the final.

The victory was Pirates’ 14th Wafa Wafa title, leaving them one triumph behind record winners Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi last won the competition in 2014.

The tournament’s return once again combines the traditional knockout competition with major financial incentives for supporters and charitable contributions linked to goals scored.

MTN have therefore retained the R10 million prize for the winning side, while the goal-based donation will provide R20,000 to charity each time the ball enters the net during the tournament.

The focus of the campaign is reflected in the “there can only be one” theme, which highlights the competition for the trophy as well as the standalone prize available to fans.

Orlando Pirates enter the tournament as holders after another final victory over Stellenbosch FC, while Kaizer Chiefs remain the record champions despite not having lifted the trophy since 2014.

The opening fixtures will set the competition in motion on Saturday, with Pirates beginning their title defence against Durban City and Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Polokwane City.

Sunday’s schedule will then see AmaZulu play Sekhukhune United, followed by the meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows as the quarter-final line-up is completed.