MTN8, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout

MTN8: the top-eight cup

The MTN8 is a knockout competition for the top eight finishers in the previous league season. The quarter-final pairings are set by those finishing positions: the first-placed team meets the eighth, the runners-up meet the seventh, third meets sixth and fourth meets fifth.

The winners of those four quarter-finals progress to the semi-finals, which are played over two legs, once at each club's home ground, with the results of both matches counted to decide who reaches the final. Because entry is earned by league position, the MTN8 is often the first trophy of a new season and a reward for the previous one.

Nedbank Cup: the open draw

The Nedbank Cup is South Africa's answer to England's FA Cup. Its main draw is a 32-team competition made up of the 16 Premiership clubs, eight clubs from the second-tier Motsepe Foundation Championship and eight amateur teams.

Once the competition proper begins, there is no seeding, so a Premiership side can be drawn against an amateur opponent. It follows a straight knockout format over five rounds, the Last 32, Last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Every tie is a single match, and if the score is level after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time and then, if needed, a penalty shootout.

That openness is what gives the Nedbank Cup its upsets and its prestige. The winner also earns a place in the CAF Confederation Cup, which makes it the only one of the three competitions with a direct route into African club football.

Carling Knockout: the league cup

The Carling Knockout is a league cup for top-flight clubs, revived in 2023 in the tradition of earlier PSL knockout cups. Every round is a single match, and the rules state that the winning club is decided on the day: if the teams are level, the tie goes to extra time and, if necessary, penalty kicks.

Each cup has its own character. The MTN8 is exclusive and rewards the previous season's form. The Nedbank Cup has the broadest field and gives lower-league and amateur teams the chance to play the country's biggest clubs, as well as a continental place for the winner. The Carling Knockout keeps things among the top-flight clubs in a fast, one-match format.

Sponsor names and formats can change from season to season, so readers should check the PSL and the official competition websites for the current rules, entry criteria and dates.