MTN8 prize money increased by R2 million!
MTN has sponsored the Premier League's Top 8 tournament since 2008 with winners walking away with R8 million in prize money.
Kaizer Chiefs were the first to win the first edition of the MTN8 by beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.
However, they have not won it since 2014, with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates dominating in the last three seasons.
Pirates, having lifted the trophy for three consecutive seasons, will have the MTN8 champions crest on their jersey this coming season.
Furthermore, there will be a donation to a charity of R20 000 for every goal scored during the tournament. The fixtures, dates, venues and kick-off times have all been confirmed for the quarter-finals of this season's MTN8. Image: MTN8
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Although Cobus Reinach and Ruan Ackermann have signed with the Stormers and will add value to the squad in the URC, there are bound to be some growing pains for the Cape side in the preceding Currie Cup. Fighting for recognition The Cheetahs' 37-35 loss to the Boland Cavaliers in the first round will come as a blow to their play-off chances, as well as to their overriding goal of reminding all and sundry that the Free State region remains a rugby force. Beyond the Currie Cup, they will feature in the next edition of the Challenge Cup – although director of rugby Frans Steyn has made it clear that the franchise needs to join a leading tournament like the URC sooner rather than later. Boland have similar goals, and in the wake of a significant investment by Sanlam as well as a strategic partnership with the Blue Bulls, the team looks set to reach new heights. It may be a few years yet before Boland realise their potential, but they have already made a statement by qualifying for the Currie Cup Premier Division for the first time since 2016, and by beating the 2023 champions in round one. Well-travelled coach Hawies Fourie has taken the reins and built a squad that should be competitive. Louis Schreuder, a former Springbok scrumhalf who recently won the English Premiership title with Bath, is among the key signings. Meanwhile, the Pumas and Griquas, who contested the recent SA Cup final in Mbombela, will look to claim some big scalps while some of the leading franchises are in a development phase. The Pumas won the Currie Cup in 2022 and were losing finalists in 2023. DM Jon Cardinelli is a freelance writer.
