The MTN8 quarterfinals offered a revealing glimpse into the upcoming PSL season, with some of the league’s top teams making strong statements while others left fans with more questions than answers.
Ahead of the start of the Betway Premiership, here’s what we learned from the opening weekend’s action.
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Mamelodi Sundowns’ Star Quartet in Limbo
Mamelodi Sundowns’ resounding 4-0 victory over Richards Bay was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of four key players: Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, Khuliso Mudau, and Thembinkosi Lorch. Head coach Miguel Cardoso was tight-lipped about the trio of Costa, Shalulile, and Mudau, simply stating that their situations would be “dealt with by the club and communicated.”
That being said, he was more direct about Nyoso, confirming that the club is actively working to finalize his departure.
Cardoso’s decision to play fringe players like Keanu Cupido and Zuko Mdunyelwa and bring on youngster Siyabonga Mabena suggests the club is already preparing for life without its stars. This signals a potential changing of the guard at Chloorkop as the team navigates a significant squad reshuffle under their new Portuguese mentor.
Orlando Pirates: A New Look with the Same Winning Mentality
Orlando Pirates’ new-look squad delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over Polokwane City, showcasing a blend of promising new signings and a refreshed coaching staff under Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Bucs’ new coach has wasted no time, fielding three debutants in the starting lineup and introducing four more off the bench.
New signings like Oswin Appollis (who was named Man of the Match), Sihle Nduli, and a sharp-looking Sipho Mbule all impressed, seamlessly integrating with the core group of players. This early cohesion bodes well for the Buccaneers, who are aiming to build on their recent success and compete for all available trophies this season.
AmaZulu Show Promise Despite Early Exit
Despite their first-round exit from the MTN8, AmaZulu’s performance against Stellenbosch was full of promise. The team, which underwent a major squad overhaul that saw nearly twenty players depart, looked revitalized during their five-goal thriller against Stellenbosch FC.
The team displayed impressive resilience and a clear intent to play, enjoying large spells of possession and fighting back after falling behind.There was a spirited response following Club President Sandile Zungu’s firm dismissal of claims that the club serves as a ‘retirement home’ for veteran players.
Just weeks earlier, during a media event in Durban, Zungu confidently stated, “This time last year our average age was 30 years, but we’ve since reduced it to just over 24—without compromising on quality, which has remained consistent, if not improved.”
Moreover, with Arthur Zwane at the helm—a coach with a proven track record of nurturing young talent—the club has seen an infusion of youth. Zwane has previously promoted academy graduates to the senior Kaizer Chiefs setup (including the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Samkelo Zwane, and Mfundo Vilakazi) when he was based at Naturena and I am certain he will do the same in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
With Zwane at the helm, a coach known for developing young talent, and club president Sandile Zungu’s focus on lowering the average age of the squad, AmaZulu appears to be a team on the rise.
Sekhukhune United’s Ageless “Sniper”
Bradley Grobler proved that age is just a number, delivering a match-winning brace for Sekhukhune United in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against TS Galaxy. At 37, the veteran striker showed he still has the hunger and quality to perform at the highest level.
Grobler’s two goals inspired his new team to overcome a two-goal deficit and reach the MTN8 semifinals for the first time in the club’s history. His impressive debut earned him the Man of the Match award and added to his legacy as one of the PSL’s most prolific scorers, with his career tally now standing at 117 goals.
Stellenbosch FC’s Challenges
While Stellenbosch FC secured a hard-fought victory over AmaZulu, the team faces significant challenges heading into the new season. The club has built a reputation as a selling club, developing talent and then transferring players like Junior Mendieta, Ashley Du Preez, and Sibongiseni Mthethwa to the league’s giants.
This model, while financially sound, has left them with a roster of new faces and administrative hurdles. Key foreign signings like Turan Mantov and Henri Stanic are still awaiting work permits, and the registration of striker Muzomuhle Khanyi has hit a snag.
The club’s ability to compete this season will depend heavily on how quickly they can integrate these new players and solve the persistent goal-scoring problems they faced last campaign.