No chance for Top 8 cup this season
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday August 15, 2025 10:10
The 2025–2026 season officially kicks off this weekend, and according to the schedule, there is no room for any additional competition on top of the league and the Orange FA Cup. Speaking to journalists this week, Mamelodi said they had to come up with a tight schedule because of other football activities. “Chances of a new competition coming up this season are highly unlikely. That might be something for next season. If you look closely at the schedule, it is congested,” Mamelodi said.
He said the rationale behind the schedule was informed by FIFA weeks and to afford the Zebras time to prepare and fulfil travel logistics. According to Mamelodi, the Zebras have asked for time to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals to be held in Morocco from December to January. It was also informed by inter-club participation by Gaborone United (GU) and Jwaneng Galaxy. GU, as the current national champions, will take part in the CAF Champions League, whilst Galaxy will represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The season has been scheduled to conclude on May 30 next year. After securing the FNB sponsorship for the league, football fans have been eagerly waiting for the announcement of a sponsor for the Top 8 competition, which was last held during the 2019–2020 season. Since Mascom Wireless ended the sponsorship of the knockout competition, which featured the top eight teams from the previous season, it has not been taking place. Mamelodi said that even if they were not expecting to get a sponsor or introduce any new competition, it can only be featured in next season’s schedule.