Chiefs v Platinum Stars Preview

MTN8 Semi-Finals (1st Leg) | Saturday 16 August | Royal Bafokeng | 20:15


The Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, have avoided each other in the semi-finals of the MTN8 but still face stern tests in their quest to lift the MTN8. Chiefs will travel to defending champions Platinum Stars for their first leg semi-final, while Bidvest Wits will host Pirates. The quartet make up an exact replica of last season’s last four, with Stars and Pirates going on to challenge for the trophy, which Dikwena eventually lifted, courtesy of a penalty shootout.

The second legs of the semi-finals will be played on the weekend of August 23/24. The winners are set to win R8m in prize money. The winner over the two legs will be determined by aggregate score. If teams are still level, then the away goals rule will apply. If the scores are still level, even after the away goals have been applied, then the match will go straight to penalty shootouts to determine the finalists.

Please note that midweek league fixtures were yet to be played at the time of writing.



Last year’s MTN8 winners Platinum Stars will host Kaizer Chiefs in the first semi-final on Saturday evening. Platinum Stars have established themselves as a formidable cup team and will be looking to make their fourth consecutive cup final in just one year when they host a solid looking Chiefs outfit.

To Win (90mins)

Platinum Stars 3/1

Draw 9/4

Chiefs 9/10


PLATINUM STARS

Platinum Stars’ Absa Premiership campaign got off to a losing start last Saturday evening as they were beaten 2-0 by newly-promoted Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Fresh from an impressive away win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals of the MTN8, Dikwena would have been hoping to remind the Chilli Boys of just how tough PSL football can be.

Instead it was the hosts who were the better team and deservedly clinched three points. Platinum Stars began their quest to retain their MTN8 title against Mamelodi Sundowns two weeks back.

Two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Vuyo Mere and Ndumiso Mabena saw Dikwena beat the 2013/14 league champions 2-1 at Loftus Stadium.

The Phokeng-based side has lost a number of influential players during transfer window, including Siphelele Mthembu, Henrico Botes, Benson Mhlongo, Issa Sarr and Lindokuhle Mbatha.

They have made a few signings but the only eye catching one thus far is in Ndumiso Mabena from orlando Pirates.

Mabena is likely to shoulder most of the goalscoring responsibilities and will relish the opportunity to put one past the Soweto giants here.

KAIZER CHIEFS

Kaizer Chiefs eased into the semi-finals of the MTN8 with a comfortable 4-0 win over Black Aces at FNB Stadium.

The Amakhosi’s victory was set-up by two early goals from Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Kingston Nkhatha, before Mandla Masango added a brace in the second half to ensure a comfortable final third of the match for Stuart Baxter’s side.

Kaizer Chiefs opened their Premiership campaign with a deserved 1-0 win over Free State Stars on a dismal pitch at Charles Mopeli Stadium last weekend and will be looking for another win here.

Siphiwe Tshabalala will likely return to the matchday squad but is expected to start from the bench.

Tshabalala picked up an injury in the pre-season match against Chippa United on July 20 but returned to training last week.

Bernard Parker is yet to reach full fitness and Kingston Nkhatha will likely lead the line alone as he did against Free State Stars in front of a five man midfield.

Katlego Mphela was an unused substitute against Stars as new boy Siphelele Mthembu was preferred to come on for Nkhatha.

Mphela looks a shadow of his best but with all the competition around him he should step up to the plate when given his chance.

The Chiefs backline have not conceded a goal in their three matches this season (Carling Black Label Cup, League, MTN8).

Last season’s successful centre back pairing of Tefu Mashamaite and Eric Mathoho are keeping Morgan Gould on the bench while Tsepo Masilela (man of the match against Free State Stars) and Siboniso Gaxa are patrolling the flanks with ease.

Amakhosi’s midfield of Willard Katsande, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and George Maluleka looks a winning formula as it gives wingers George Lebese and Mandla Masongo freedom to roam forward.

Betting Prediction: CHIEFS 9/10

Chiefs have had the better of their opponents in recent meetings with AmaKhosi recording seven victories in the last 13 head-to-heads, with Dikwena claiming just three wins. Chiefs are tipped to continue their good form with a win here. 

Written by Wayde Dorkin for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now! 


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