The MTN8 Wafa Wafa competition begins on Friday 26 August, as the top eight teams from last season do battle to secure the first piece of silverware available this season.
For those who have earned their place in the tournament, there is massive incentive to progress not only due to the prospect of lifting a trophy, but there is a whopping R13.6 million worth of prize money up for grabs.
The cash prizes are split in the following way:
MTN 8 champion: R8 million
7 participating teams: R800 000
The quarter final round runs from the 26-28 August.
2016 MTN8 Quarterfinals fixtures:
Fri, 26 August – Cape Town City FC vs Kaizer Chiefs, Cape Town Stadium, 20h00
Sat, 27 August – Platinum Stars vs Chippa United, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, 15h00
Sat, 27 August – Bidvest Wits vs Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Stadium 20h15
Sun, 28 August – Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United, Loftus Stadium, 15h00
The clash at the Bidvest Stadium between Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates is certainly one of the standout fixtures, while the first Tshwane derby of the season sees Mamelodi Sundowns meet Stuart Baxter’s SuperSport United. After last season’s defeat to Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 final, Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to go all the way this time, and they will need to overcome Cape Town City FC - formerly Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Platinum Stars and Chippa United avoided the so-called Big Three, but their encounter is sure to serve up some great attacking football too.
The competition continues with the first legs of the semi-finals on 10 and 11 September, while the second legs are on 17 and 18 September. The final takes place on 1 October.
Which teams do you think will progress to the semi-finals?