The MTN8 quarter-finals started on a high note, eight goals were scored in the first two quarter-final matches. The defending champions Orlando Pirates attained a 3-1 OVER SuperSport United, followed by Stellenbosch FC, who also defeated TS Galaxy 3-1 on Sunday 4 August.
The action continues this weekend with Sekhukhune United who will be hosting Cape Town City on Saturday 10 August and last year’s finalists Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with Polokwane City will bring down the curtain on Sunday 11 August at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
Let’s dive into the MTN8 quarterfinal previews and predictions:
7/20 Mamelodi Sundowns | Draw 33/10 | Polokwane City 13/2
The Brazilians missed out on lifting the MTN8 Cup last season after going down to Pirates on penalties. Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Komphela and Romain Folz will take over the helm following the abrupt departure of Rulani Mokwena.
Sundowns had an impressive 2023-24 season lifting the league title for the seventh consecutive time, the inaugural African Football League and also reached the finals of the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. They looked determined to bag all trophies this season following a successful preseason camp in Austria where they closed it off by defeating Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal 2-1.
Masandawana added a few new signings to their star-studded squad including Brazilian forward Arthur Sales, right winger Kobamelo Kodisang, former SuperSport United defender Kegan Johannes and Asekho Tiwani from Sekhukhune United.
On the other hand, Polokwane who are the underdogs in this clash claimed a top-eight finish after defeating TS Galaxy in their closing league match, Oswin Appollis’s goal in the 25th minute was enough to hand Rise and Shine all three points and a spot in the top half of the log.
Appollis had a remarkable season, he has become a regular in the national team and had a stellar performance in the Africa Nations Cup in January. He garnered attention from a number of top teams including Kaizer Chiefs. However, City coach Phuti Mohafe insisted that the club has no plans to sell the player.
The Limpopo club managed to hold Sundowns to a goalless draw in their last encounter. Their last win against the Tshwane side was in 2018 where they edged them 3-2 in a league match. We look to see if they can shock them to another victory. Their best performance in the MTN8 was reaching the semis in the 2019 version of the competition.
Sundowns are clear favourites to win this match given the depth and quality of their squad and are expected to ease past Polokwane but they should not take them lightly. Bet on Sundowns to win.
Written by Siphesihle Soni