Five classic MTN8 finals: From Manyisa rocket in Soweto Derby to Manqana superb finish in historic clash

This cup competition has produced some memorable finals since multinational mobile telecommunications giants MTN began sponsoring the tournament in 2008.

GOAL takes a look at the five classic Top 8 finals in the last 14 years.

Ajax Cape Town went into this encounter against Lamontville Golden Arrows as strong favourites after having knocked out Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on their way to the final.

However, the Urban Warriors were humiliated 6-0 by a ruthless Arrows side at Orlando Stadium on 24 October 2009.

Njabulo Manqana (brace), Thokozani Mshengu, Papi Zothwane and Richard Henyekane all netted for Arrows, while Ajax defender Dennis Ivanovs scored an own goal.

Manqana's second goal is rated as one of the greatest in the MTN8 as the technically gifted winger snaked past an Ajax defender and spun the ball into the net from a very tight angle.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Oupa Manyisa's long-range screamer in the second leg of the semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns had helped his side reach the final.

The Buccaneers took on their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a highly anticipated final at the FNB Stadium on 10th September 2011.
The diminutive midfielder again struck from long range in extra-time after the exhilarating match had ended in a goalless draw in regulation time. 

The ball skid off the turf and burst past the arms of Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and ultimately, Pirates were 1-0 winners.

Orlando Pirates were expected to win the trophy at the expense of Platinum Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 28 September 2013, as they had knocked out their fierce rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the semi-finals.
However, a stubborn Dikwena side took the lead in the first half through Robert Ng'ambi's goal, before Bucs defender Thabo Matlaba grabbed a late equalizer in the second half.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time and there were no goals in extra-time in a rain-soaked encounter. 

Stars went on to win 3-1 on penalties with Pirates strikers Ndumiso Mabena and Lennox Bacela failing to convert their spot-kicks.

Kaizer Chiefs were seeking revenge against Orlando Pirates, who had defeated them in the 2011 final and 2013 semi-finals, when the two Soweto giants clashed at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 20 September 2014.

Amakhosi broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through Tefu Mashamaite after the Pirates defence was caught napping.

The Buccaneers dominated the second half, but they could not beat Amakhosi goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, who was on top of his game on the night and ultimately, Chiefs ran out 1-0 winners.

Many had expected Mamelodi Sundowns to overcome Bidvest Wits when the two sides locked horns at the Mbombela Stadium on 1 October 2016.

However, Wits proved too strong for Sundowns in an action-packed encounter, with Daine Klate and Eleazar Rodgers grabbing two first-half goals for the Clever Boys.

Klate then sealed Wits' 3-0 victory in the second half and the Clever Boys won their first major trophy in over two decades.