Defending champions Orlando Pirates set out to extend their dominant domestic cup streak as they open their 2026 MTN8 campaign on Saturday, 8 August 2026 at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Sea Robbers, fresh off winning last season’s Betway Premiership title, host Nedbank Cup champions Durban City in the quarter-final opener at 16:00 EAT (15:00 SAST local time).
Chasing History: Equaling Kaizer Chiefs’ Record
Orlando Pirates are on the brink of domestic history:
- Unprecedented 4-in-a-Row: Pirates won four consecutive MTN8 titles between 2022 and 2025. Jose Riveiro claimed three titles, while current head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou won it in his debut season.
- Equaling the Amakhosi: A tournament victory this season would mark Pirates’ 15th MTN8 title, equaling the long-standing record held by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
- Near-Impenetrable Record: Since 2022, Pirates have played 16 MTN8 fixtures, yielding 10 wins, 5 draws, and just 1 defeat (a 1-0 second-leg loss to Stellenbosch FC in September 2023, where Pirates still advanced on away goals).
MTN8 2026 Quarter-Final Schedule
| Fixture | Venue | Date | Kickoff (EAT) |
| Orlando Pirates vs Durban City | Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto | Saturday, 8 Aug 2026 | 16:00 EAT |
| Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City | Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria | Saturday, 8 Aug 2026 | 19:00 EAT |
| AmaZulu FC vs Sekhukhune United | Chatsworth Stadium, Durban | Sunday, 9 Aug 2026 | 16:00 EAT |
| Kaizer Chiefs vs Golden Arrows | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg | Sunday, 9 Aug 2026 | 19:00 EAT |
