MTN8 2025 Roars To Life With ‘Bazok’feela’ – A Season Where Football Meets Culture

The wait is over — South Africa’s most explosive football tournament is back, and this year it’s turning up the heat like never before. The 2025 MTN8 has officially kicked off its campaign under the bold theme ‘Bazok’feela’, blending football, culture, lifestyle and fan power into one unmissable experience.

Now in its 18th season under MTN’s sponsorship, the tournament promises a celebration of South African flair on and off the pitch, with more goals, more prizes, and more reasons for fans to back their teams with pride.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MTN South Africa launched the new season with the promise of a spectacle where “they’re going to feel you” — a phrase that captures the unapologetic passion that township football, iconic rivalries, and street culture bring to the game.

All eyes now turn to Saturday, 2 August, when the quarter-finals begin and eight of the country’s top clubs go to war for the coveted Wafa Wafa title. With defending champions Orlando Pirates in the mix, underdogs on the rise, and fans revved up by the campaign’s cultural twist, Bazok’feela is more than a slogan — it’s a movement.

Below is the official press release:

PRESS RELEASE

MTN8 2025 season blazes in with ‘Bazok’feela’, where football meets culture!

It’s that time again! The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MTN South Africa have officially launched the 2025 MTN8 tournament, marking 18 seasons of elite football, fierce rivalries, and fan-fuelled passion. The action kicks off on Saturday, 2 August 2025, and if the new season’s energy is anything to go by, we are in for an electrifying start!

This year, the iconic top eight showdown comes with an exciting twist. MTN8 is stepping beyond the pitch, turning every match into a culture-infused celebration of music, fashion, lifestyle, and fan identity.

The top eight finishers from last season are ready to battle it out for the crown and bragging rights. In a blockbuster opening round, defending champions Orlando Pirates FC take on Polokwane City, while Mamelodi Sundowns go head-to-head with Richards Bay. Stellenbosch FC face off against AmaZulu FC, and Sekhukhune United meet TS Galaxy in what promises to be a pulsating start to of the MTN8 tournament.

Wafa Wafa – Winner takes all! Introducing ‘Bazok’feela’: Feel the game. Live the culture.
“Bazok’feela – they gon’ feel you” embodies the attitude and spirit of the fans who back their teams no matter what, on and off the pitch. From the way they dress, the songs they sing, the banter and the undying belief in the teams they support. MTN want to tap into the culture and celebrate it the best way possible. Because the beautiful game is nothing without the 12th man. Every team, coach and player can second this.

To each and every fan in Mzansi, now is your time to make moves to back your team like never before because the rivals…“Bazok’feela”.

“Bazok’feela, which means ‘they’re going to feel you’, captures the essence of how South Africans express themselves through football,” said Robyn Lewis, General Manager: Brand & Marketing at MTN South Africa. “It’s more than just 90 minutes. It’s about living your truth, feeling every moment, and repping your culture with pride — whether in the stands, online, or on the streets.”

Bigger prizes, bigger moves: R10 million up for grabs

MTN is ready for bigger prizes and bigger moves! MTN is increasing the prize pot for fans to R10 million, up from R8 million, to match the winning team’s cash prize. Every day, you have a chance to win, with one ultimate supporter taking home R1 million and the title of “MTN8 Last Fan Standing!”

To enter, simply recharge with R20 or more and dial *142# or download the new MTN App, select MTN8, and you could win daily prizes. These include a home viewing experience, MoMo Vouchers, Ackermans suite tickets, and grocery vouchers.

More prizes, greater purpose

In addition to the Last Fan Standing competition, the MTN Last Legend campaign effectively blends the celebration of South African football heritage with impactful community development. It provides former players a platform to share their MTN8 journeys, fostering fan connections and acknowledging their contributions. Importantly, financial incentives are directly channelled into charitable initiatives, allowing legends to inspire and support aspiring athletes and communities, thereby extending the “Wafa Wafa” spirit beyond the field.

And because MTN8 is about more than just what happens on the pitch, every goal scored during regulation play will trigger a donation through the MTN8 Goals for Charity initiative — with R20,000.00 per goal going towards a meaningful cause. It’s our way of showing that Wafa Wafa isn’t just about 90 minutes of action, it’s also about impact that lasts beyond the final whistle.

The Last Journalist Standing returns

The Last Journalist Standing is back to keep the tournament energy at an all-time high. One standout journalist will walk away with R80,000.00 at the end of the season for their passion, insight, and contribution to the tournament.

The Heritage of MTN8

MTN is proud to introduce a special MTN8 crest, marking a significant new tradition for the tournament. Moving forward, this distinctive emblem will be prominently displayed on the sleeve of the reigning champions, serving as a powerful symbol of their elite achievement and the hard-won victory in the ‘Wafa Wafa’ knockout competition. This subtle yet impactful detail will instantly identify the title holders on the pitch, elevating their status and instilling a heightened sense of pride, while also enriching the tournament’s narrative and strengthening the MTN8’s legacy as a premier event in South African football.

Legends return to lead the charge

This season’s MTN8 Legends are bringing the fire. With their on-field pedigree and off-field charisma, they’ll drive fan engagement, community activation, and media excitement across Mzansi.

The 2025 MTN8 Legends:

• Lucky Lekgwathi
• Morgan Gould
• Lehlohonolo Majoro
• Fabian McCarthy
• Njabulo Maqana
• Rodney Ramagalela
• Vuyo Mere (new addition)
• Brent Carelse (new addition)

Whether it’s on the turf or in the townships, in stadiums or on street corners, the 2025 MTN8 isn’t just back — it’s evolved. This year, Bazok’feela isn’t a promise — it’s a challenge. The rivals will feel you. Will you show up?