The Premier Soccer League officially launched the 2026 MTN8 on Wednesday evening, unveiling this year’s theme, “There Can Only Be One”, a campaign that highlights the battle for supremacy on and off the pitch.
The slogan reflects the race to crown a single MTN8 champion, while also tying into the competition’s fan engagement campaign, where one supporter will walk away with the coveted R1 million Last Fan Standing prize.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates enter this year’s tournament chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title after defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in last season’s final.
The Buccaneers claimed their 14th Wafa Wafa trophy with that victory and now trail only Kaizer Chiefs, who remain the competition’s most successful club with 15 titles.
As in previous editions, the tournament winners will receive R10 million in prize money. MTN also reaffirmed its commitment to giving back, announcing that R20,000 will be donated to charity for every goal scored during the tournament.
Fan favourites, Last Fan Standing and Last Legend Standing, also return, giving supporters another opportunity to compete for the R1 million grand prize.
The 2026 MTN8 gets underway on Saturday with defending champions Orlando Pirates hosting Durban City at 15:00, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Polokwane City at 18:00.
The quarter-final action concludes on Sunday when AmaZulu face Sekhukhune United before Kaizer Chiefs welcome Golden Arrows in the final match of the opening round.
With South Africa’s top eight clubs once again battling for the first major trophy of the domestic season, the stage is set for another thrilling edition of Wafa Wafa, where as the theme reminds everyone, there can only be one last men standing.