Mamelodi Sundowns scored a late equalizer and managed to hold Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the MTN 8 semifinals while Orlando Pirates came out victorious against Stellenbosch, defeating them 2-1 at home. They will be looking to defend their win at their home ground. Here is a look at this weekend’s MTN 8 second leg semifinal clashes.
8/10 Mamelodi Sundowns |Draw 22/10 | Kaizer Chiefs 33/10
Sundowns will look to use their home ground advantage as well as the backing of their home fans when they host Kaizer Chiefs in the second leg of the MTN 8 semifinals at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. Masandawana narrowly avoided defeat in the first leg of the semifinals when Khuliso Mudau scored a late goal during additional time. Sundowns trailed 1-0 for the majority of the second half after Edson Castillo scored on the 61-minute. This was the second time that Rhulani Mokwena’s men scored a late goal against Chiefs as they also scored a late winner when they defeated Amakhosi 2-1 in a league match. The Brazilians will be heading to this match booming with confidence as their regular star players Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane have both returned from injuries and will be of great assistance in the club’s effort to secure a win and book their spot in the final.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are facing the tough challenge of defeating Masandawana at home with their home fans behind them. This is a must-win match for Molefi Ntseki’s men to be able to move a step closer towards ending the eight-year-long trophy draught. Chiefs will rely on their newly signed striker Jason Gonzalez to break the Sundowns defence and score winning goals. Amakhosi have not managed to come out victorious against Sundowns in their last five matches and will be aiming for a victory to end this streak. However, Sundowns are currently the stronger side in this clash. I back Sundowns to win at 8/10.
7/10 Orlando Pirates | Draw 23/10 | Stellenbosch 15/4
Orlando Pirates were victorious in the first round. They defeated Stellies 2-1 and came out strong in this match to defend their lead and book their place in the final to be able to defend their trophy. Stellenbosch will not go down easy as they are still in search of their first trophy in the topflight. Pirates will rely on the on-form Zakhele Lepasa, Deon Hotto, Patrick Maswangayi and Monnapule Saleng to break the Stellies defence and get the needed goals that will take them to the finals against Chiefs or Sundowns.
Steve Barker’s men came out short in the first leg with 10 men after Thabo Moloisane got a red card for a dangerous tackle on Patrick Maswangayi. They looked formidable in the match and may surprise the Buccaneers and defeat them in front of their home fans, however, it will not be easy as the Pirates will not go down that easily. They defeated the Bucs in their league opener, and we look to see if Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Andre de Jong and Qobolwakhe Sibande can lead the team to another victory. My money is on Pirates to win at 7/10.
Written by Siphesihle Soni