MTN8 Records: Standout Performers and Historical Milestones
The excitement is palpable as the MTN8 tournament returns, featuring four quarter-finals this weekend. This year’s competition is particularly thrilling, as Orlando Pirates aim for an extraordinary fifth title in succession and their sixth in the last seven years, having shown remarkable dominance in recent times. However, formidable rivals like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will not take this lightly, and all eyes will be on the significant R10 million reward awaiting the victors of the final on October 10.
MTN8 Historical Overview
Since its current format was established in 2008, the MTN8 has yielded numerous spectacular individual and team achievements, creating a wealth of remarkable statistics over the past 18 years. This section delves into some of the standout records in the tournament’s illustrious history.
Most Goals by a Player
Daine Klate is the epitome of scoring prowess in the MTN8, holding the record for the most goals netted by a player, with an impressive nine goals. His contributions came while playing for SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, and Bidvest Wits, including a stellar performance where he scored twice in the 2016 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Biggest Victory Ever
In the tournament’s history, Lamontville Golden Arrows etched their name into the record books with a staggering 6-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the 2009 final. In contrast, the 2023 quarter-final saw Orlando Pirates achieve a notable 5-0 victory against Sekhukhune United, marking it as the second-largest win in the competition.
Most Goals in a Single Game
The 2015 quarter-final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United is unforgettable, featuring a dramatic 5-3 finish filled with twists and turns. Chiefs, initially trailing 2-0, rallied to take a 3-2 lead before conceding once more, only to dominate during extra time and secure their place in the next round. This match stands out as a shining example of excitement and unpredictability in the MTN8.
The Hat-Trick Hero
Zakhele Lepasa has distinguished himself as the only player to achieve a hat-trick in the MTN8 since 2008, scoring three goals for the Orlando Pirates in their emphatic 5-0 victory over Sekhukhune United during the 2023 quarter-finals, further establishing his reputation within the tournament’s history.
Most Clean Sheets
In the realm of goalkeeping, Ronwen Williams has set the bar high. He boasts the record for the most clean sheets in MTN8 matches, successfully maintaining 13 shutouts across 32 appearances while representing both SuperSport United and Sundowns, with eight clean sheets achieved for Matsatsantsa and five for Sundowns.
Oldest and Youngest Goalscorers
The MTN8 has seen a remarkable range of talent across generations. The oldest player to score in the tournament post-2008 is Lehlohonolo Majoro, an AmaZulu forward who scored against his former team, Cape Town City, in the quarter-finals of 2022 at the age of 36 years and eight days. On the other hand, the youngest scorer is Relebohile Mofokeng, a Pirates winger who, at 19 years, 10 months, and five days old, found the net during the 2024 semi-finals against Cape Town City in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Penalty Shoot-Outs
Throughout the tournament’s 18-year history, a total of 19 matches have been decided by penalties. Orlando Pirates have been involved in five of these, claiming victory in three of these shoot-outs while losing two, including their triumph over Sundowns in the 2023 final. Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand, have participated in six, winning only two. Notably, the now-defunct team SuperSport United holds the record for the most shoot-out appearances, with seven, but like Sundowns, they have also experienced a victory rate of just under 30%.
