The 2025 MTN8 Final in numbers

Orlando Pirates take on Stellenbosch FC in the final of the 2025 MTN8 that will be staged at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

There will be history made whoever comes out on top as we round up the numbers on this year’s decider.

0 - Neither Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou or Stellenbosch’s Steve Barker have won this competition before, so one will add their name to the illustrious list of winning coaches.

2 - This year’s final marks back-to-back appearances for Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 decider. They also appeared in 2024 and played the self-same Pirates, but went down 3-1 in Durban.

2 - Pirates’ only have two defeats in their last 20 MTN8 ties (W13 D5), and one of them was to Stellenbosch in the 2023 semifinals. Steve Barker’s side won 1-0 away from home, but exited on the away goals rule after Pirates had claimed a 2-1 away victory the week before.

4 - Orlando Pirates are aiming to become the first club to win the MTN8 four years in a row, having claimed a hat-trick of titles in the last three years under now departed coach Jose Riveiro. This will also be their fifth final in the last six years, having won in 2020 as well.

4 - The number of goals scored by Pirates left wing-back Deon Hotto against Stellenbosch, more than any player on either side. In fact, no other player has more than two goals in this fixture.

6 - The biggest margin in a top eight final was 6-0 achieved by Lamontville Golden Arrows over Ajax Cape Town in 2009. That is also the biggest win in any South African cup final in all competitions.

7 - Pirates lead the all-time head-to-head against Stellenbosch FC with seven wins to five for the Winelands club. There have also been five draws in 17 previous meetings. Pirates lead the scoring stakes 21-14.

7 - The number of victories for Stellenbosch in their last 11 MTN8 games (D2 L2) since their debut. Both of their defeats in that time were inflicted by Pirates – the 2023 semifinals and 2024 final.

9 - Nine previous top eight finals have gone to extra-time, with eight of those decided on penalties. Pirates beat Moroka Swallows on spot-kicks in 2010 and Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. But they also lost the 2013 decider to Platinum Stars on penalties.

15 - The overall number of titles won by Kaizer Chiefs in the top eight competition in its various guises down the years. This is the most of any club but Pirates are in second place with 13 and could move to within one of their Soweto rivals with victory in Mbombela.

75 - The per centage of Pirates wins in MTN8 finals since the competition was first played in its current guides in 2008. They have six finals wins from eight previous finals.

10 000 000 - The prize money in Rands for the winners of this year’s MTN8. The other seven clubs who competed take home R1-million. There is therefore R9-million riding on Saturday’s final between Pirates and Stellenbosch.