Orlando Pirates: How many times have Bucs won the MTN8 Cup?

Orlando Pirates are in the final of the MTN8 after outclassing Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the semi-finals, beating them 3-0 on Saturday.

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This will be Bucs’ first MTN8 final since 2020 when then coach Josef Zinnbauer steered them past Bloemfontein Celtic.

Monnapule Saleng stole the show as he netted a second half brace while the first goal of the match was scored by Kermit Erasmus.

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It’s common knowledge that Pirates arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs are the most successful team in the history of the competition since the first edition in 1972 with 15 titles.

Pirates will face AmaZulu who reached their first ever MTN8 final in the PSL era following their 0-0 draw against Chiefs on Sunday afternoon.

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The South African website reminds of how many times Pirates have won the MTN8 titles in the history of the club.

HOW MANY HAVE ORLANDO PIRATES LIFTED THE MTN8 TROPHY?

The first edition of this Top 8 tournament, now MTN8, was in 1972, and Pirates were the first South African team to win it.

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Pirates successfully defended their crown in 1973 as they showed great dominance in the eight-team tournament early on.

There was a dry spell in the following years, but Pirates bounced back five years later to lift the trophy again in 1978.

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Another five-year Top 8 trophy drought struck with Pirates tasting victory in 1983 before waiting 10 more years for their fifth title.

Pirates would then win the Top 8 title at the start of the PSL era in 1996 before winning it again when the competition returned in 2000 after a four-year break.

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MTN then came in to sponsor the tournament in 2008, and Pirates had to wait until 2010 for their first triumph, and they would defend the trophy in 2011 to make it nine Top 8 titles.

In 2020, Pirates won their 10th Top 8 title, beating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 to end a trophy drought of over six years.

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Now, Pirates will be vying for their 11th Top 8 title, and they will fancy their chances given that this will be AmaZulu’s first MTN8 final.