The MTN8 is one of the most prestigious soccer tournaments in South Africa, showcasing the best teams from the country’s top-flight league. Since its inception in 1972, the MTN8 has captivated football fans, pitting the top eight teams from the previous season against one another. With a rich history and an electrifying format, the tournament has become a must-watch event on the South African sports calendar.
Road to the 2024 MTN8 Final: Teams, Format, and Dates
The journey to the MTN8 final is not for the faint-hearted. The tournament’s semi-finals add a layer of intrigue with a two-legged format, where teams face off both home and away. This unique structure allows for a comeback opportunity in the second leg, ensuring that the drama lasts right up to the final whistle. Aggregate scoring across both matches determines the finalists, heightening the stakes for every goal.
For 2024, the MTN8 final is set to take place on:
- Date: 05 October 2024
- Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
This year’s finalists, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, are ready to battle it out for one of the biggest prizes in South African football. Pirates are chasing yet another trophy, while Stellenbosch FC, a rising star in the league, aims for their first major cup win.
Venue Spotlight: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Hosting this year’s final, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class venue located in Durban. Known for its striking architecture and capacity to host major events, including international football matches and concerts, the stadium offers the perfect stage for the MTN8 final. It has become an iconic part of South Africa’s sporting culture and is well-equipped to handle the electric atmosphere that will come with two top-tier teams competing for glory.
Why the MTN8 Matters
The MTN8 is not just about the prize money; it’s about prestige, tradition, and fan engagement. Winning this tournament solidifies a team’s place among the elite of South African football. For players, it’s an opportunity to showcase their skills on one of the country’s biggest stages, while for coaches, it’s a chance to cement their legacy.
This year’s final has generated massive buzz, particularly with Orlando Pirates looking to add yet another title to their already impressive collection. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC, a relatively new force, aims to make history by securing their first major cup victory.
MTN8 Final Tickets and Fan Information
Fans eager to watch the 2024 MTN8 final live should secure their tickets early. The PSL has announced that tickets are now available for purchase, but they are expected to sell out quickly due to the significance of this event. The final will be an unmissable football spectacle, whether you’re watching from the stadium or tuning in from home.
For the latest updates, including kick-off times, ticket availability, and more, fans should keep an eye on the PSL’s official website and their social media channels.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.