Curtain Raises for SA Soccer with MTN-8 Quarter Finals

(The Post News)– The 2024/25 South African Premiership Soccer League (PSL) season officially kicks off on August 2, 2025, with the highly anticipated MTN8 competition, a tournament featuring the top eight clubs from the previous PSL season.

Orlando Pirates will open their campaign against Polokwane City today at Orlando Stadium, with kickoff set for 15:00. Later in the day, Sekhukhune United will host Mbombela-based TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium at 18:00. Action continues tomorrow, August 3, as Stellenbosch FC faces AmaZulu FC at Cape Town Stadium at 15:00, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns FC taking on Richards Bay at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria at 18:00.

These matches mark the return of one of the most exciting leagues in world football. The clash between the Buccaneers and Rise and Shine is already sold out, setting the tone for a thrilling start to the season and satisfying fans’ long-awaited hunger for top-tier soccer.

Adding to the drama, Polokwane City will face their former star forward Oswin Appollis, who made a high-profile move to Orlando Pirates during the off-season. Appollis will line up against the very club where he made his name in recent years.

The Buccaneers come into the tournament as defending MTN8 champions, having defeated Stellenbosch FC 3–1 in last season’s final on October 5, 2024. With renewed energy and fierce competition, this season marks the 18th edition of the MTN8.

MTN has added fresh flair to the competition with the introduction of “Bazook’feela” a concept that brings together music, fashion, fan identity, and lifestyle. Robyn Lewis, General Manager of Brand Marketing at MTN South Africa, emphasized, “It’s not just 90 minutes of soccer. It’s about the essence of how South Africans express themselves through football.”

As the curtain rises on the new PSL season, all eyes will be on the MTN8 to set the pace not just for the football, but for the vibrant culture that surrounds the beautiful game in South Africa.

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