Bidvest Wits captain Thulani ‘Tyson’ Hlatshwayo insists his side are highly motivated for their MTN8 opener against Orlando Pirates.

Last year’s Premiership runners-up Wits face both of the Soweto Giants in quick succession in the coming week as they take on Kaizer Chiefs in the league on Tuesday before facing Pirates in the MTN8 on Saturday.

‘Tyson’ is savouring the upcoming fixtures as the side hope to build upon their impressive growth over the last few seasons.

‘We are looking forward to the MTN8 and our clash against Orlando Pirates,’ Hlatshwayo told his club’s official website.

‘I have noticed that if you do well in the MTN8 you stand a great chance to do well in the Absa Premiership, so we have extra motivation to do well.’

With defending champions Ajax Cape Town having failed to qualify for the competition following their disappointing form in the Premiership last season, there will be a new champion from among the eight teams who feature this season.

Wits were dumped out of the competition at the semi-final stage of the competition last season following a 2-1 aggregate loss at the hands of Ajax.

The clash against Chiefs will kick-off at 19:30 at the Bidvest Stadium, while the tie against Pirates will be played at the same stadium on Saturday with a 20:15 start.