Football fans across South Africa can now mark their calendars as the Premier Soccer League has officially announced the key dates for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
The new season promises an exciting start with the MTN8 quarter-finals set to ignite the pitches on August 1, 2025.
The prestigious MTN8, often seen as the curtain-raiser for the South African football season, will see Orlando Pirates aiming to defend their title.
Read: Calamitous Season Ends with Stalemate for Relegated Cape Town City
The Buccaneers, who famously triumphed over Stellenbosch FC with a commanding 3-1 victory in the 2024 final at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, earned their spot in this elite competition by finishing a commendable second in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership standings.
Their perennial rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, who clinched the Premiership title once again, will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the MTN8 as well.
Joining these two giants in the battle for early silverware are seven other top-tier clubs.
These include last season’s finalists Stellenbosch FC, along with Sekhukhune United, TS Galaxy, AmaZulu, Polokwane City, and Richards Bay.
The draw for the MTN8 quarter-finals is eagerly awaited, promising thrilling matchups right from the outset.
Following the MTN8 excitement, the Betway Premiership will commence a week later, with the first league matches scheduled for August 8, 2025.
While the exact fixture list is yet to be released by the Premier Soccer League, clubs will now be finalizing their pre-season preparations with these crucial dates in mind.
Meanwhile, the Motsepe Foundation Championship, South Africa’s second-tier league, is scheduled to kick off on August 22, 2025. This league serves as a vital pathway for aspiring clubs to gain promotion to the Premiership and provides a platform for emerging talent.
Finally, the DStv Diski Challenge, the reserve league that focuses on youth development, will restart its season on September 6, 2025, continuing its crucial role in nurturing the next generation of South African football stars.
The announcement of these dates signals the official countdown to what promises to be another gripping season of South African football, filled with intense rivalries, emerging talents, and the relentless pursuit of silverware across all divisions.