Pirates legend anticipates exciting MTN8 showdown

Former Orlando Pirates captain, Lucky Lekgwathi, says the challenge will be tough in the MTN 8 as all teams involved are looking to start the season on a high note.

The much-anticipated 2025/26 campaign will kick off with the season’s curtain-raiser, where the top eight teams from last season will battle it out for early bragging rights.

This can also set the tone for the upcoming Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates will be aiming for a historic fourth successive title, having dominated the competition over the last three seasons.

Speaking to YSports, Lekgwathi says no team should underestimate their opponent.

With the teams coming from their respective pre-season training, all eyes will be on who will secure the first trophy for the season.

Last season’s PSL winners, Mamelodi Sundowns, will play the eighth-placed team in the league Richards Bay, with second playing seventh, third taking on sixth and fourth and fifth squaring off.

This means that Sekhukhune United will take on TS Galaxy, Stellenbosch face off against AmaZulu FC and Orlando Pirates will play against Polokwane City.

Lekgwathi says this is anyone’s tournament to win.

Newly appointed Orlando Pirates captain, Nkosinathi Sibisi, says they expect a tough challenge against Polokwane City.

This as new head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, will be looking to continue the legacy of cup success left behind by Jose Riveiro, who won three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup titles in his tenure as Buccaneers boss.

We are literally three days away from witnessing the institution @orlandopirates defending the MTN 8 at Orlando Stadium. I will be present.

@mjepa12 @pdjokes @ofentsematuka @vino_snap @simvio are joining us to witness the institution dishing out the lessons?#orlandopirates pic.twitter.com/by2wcbUwiJ

— 🗣Tatana👴🏿 (@Tatana_07) July 30, 2025