Chiefs’ MTN8 exits close gap on Pirates’ unwanted record

Kaizer Chiefs’ latest MTN8 quarter-final defeat has brought them closer to Orlando Pirates’ unwanted record for first-round exits during the PSL era, despite both Soweto clubs’ long-standing success in the competition.

Chiefs were eliminated by Golden Arrows, meaning they have now failed to progress beyond the opening round of the MTN8 on seven occasions since the start of the PSL era.

The result also extended Fernando da Cruz’s wait for silverware since taking charge of the Naturena-based club, after he was unable to guide the side beyond its opening hurdle.

Gavin Hunt suffered the same fate five years ago, while Steve Komphela experienced consecutive first-round exits during his spell at the Soweto giants. Komphela’s teams were knocked out by Cape Town City and SuperSport United in successive years.

Stuart Baxter’s first spell in charge of the club began with a heavy defeat in the competition, as Chiefs were beaten 4-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-finals.

Ernst Middendorp also saw his team eliminated at that stage in 2005, when Bloemfontein Celtic ended Chiefs’ campaign.

Two years earlier, Ted Dumitru watched as Amakhosi were knocked out by Wits University in the quarter-finals.

Chiefs’ record of early and late-stage disappointments in the competition during the PSL era stretches back to August 2000. Ajax Cape Town produced a dramatic late victory in the semi-finals, scoring three times in the final seven minutes to win 3-0.

Hillay Makasa, Steven Pienaar and Carlo Scott scored the goals that ended Chiefs’ run.

Pirates have enjoyed greater recent success in the MTN8, winning the competition four years in a row. However, they have suffered even more quarter-final exits than their traditional rivals.

The Buccaneers have been eliminated in the first round of the MTN8 10 times.

Their first such departure in the PSL era came in 2003, when Jomo Cosmos defeated Pirates. That match became Lesley Manyathela’s final appearance for the club. Hours later, he was involved in an accident that claimed his life as he travelled home to Musina.

Pirates’ other quarter-final exits during the PSL era came in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

With Chiefs now out of this season’s MTN8, Pirates have the opportunity to draw level with their Soweto rivals in the number of PSL-era trophies if they win the competition for a fifth consecutive year.

Pirates have moved to 20 trophies, while Chiefs have taken 10 years to increase their total from 20 to 21.