The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) will begin the new season with the MTN8 tournament starting the first weekend of August, the league announced on Wednesday. Defending champions Orlando Pirates will begin their quest for a historic fourth consecutive MTN8 title.
Quarterfinal Matchups and Schedule
Orlando Pirates, who last year became the first club to win the MTN8 three years in a row, will host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, August 2, with kickoff at 3 p.m. Later that day, Sekhukhune United will face TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, starting at 6 p.m.
The remaining quarterfinals take place on Sunday, August 3. Stellenbosch, last year’s runners-up, will host AmaZulu at the Cape Town Stadium, kicking off at 3 p.m., followed by Mamelodi Sundowns against newcomers Richards Bay at 6 p.m. This will be Sundowns’ first match since their Club World Cup appearance and Richards Bay’s debut in the MTN8 after finishing eighth last season—their best-ever placing.
Background and Expectations
Orlando Pirates secured their record-breaking third consecutive MTN8 title last year by defeating Stellenbosch 3-1 in the final held in Durban, rallying after conceding the opening goal. The club now aims to make history with a fourth straight trophy.
Looking Forward
The PSL has yet to announce the dates for the remainder of the MTN8 tournament or release the fixtures for the upcoming league season.
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