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:
16/10 Sekhukhune United | Draw 2/1 | Cape Town City 16/10
The Limpopo-based side recently unveiled former Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund U-19 boss Peter Hyballa as their new coach who has a difficult task ahead of him of overcoming Cape Town City to book a spot in the semi-finals. Hyballa is also faced with finding a replacement for the recently departed Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana who has joined Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis.
The 2023-24 season was Sekhukhune’s best season since joining the top-flight league. They finished fourth on the log with 45 points which is three spots better than their seventh-place finish in the 2022-23 season. Their last time in the #WafaWafa saw them being pitted against Orlando Pirates in the opening rounds and they were sent packing after suffering a 5-0 thrashing.
Babina Noko has faced difficulties when clashing against the Citizens, they managed to get a 1-0 victory about a year ago in a league match. They have lost two, played two draws and won once in their past five meetings.
Eric Tinkler strengthened his squad with a number of formidable signings during the transfer window including Kamohelo Mokotjo, Fortune Makaringe, Haashim Domingo and Angolan sensation Carlinhos from Petro de Luanda to name a few. Khanyisa Mayo who is City’s last season’s top goal scorer departed the club to join Algerian giants CR Belouizdad and we look to see if Tinkler has found a fitting replacement.
City will be looking to do better than last season where they came up short 2-1 in the quarterfinals to Kaizer Chiefs following a last-minute goal by Edson Castillo which sealed the victory for Chiefs.
These sides are evenly matched and should provide us with a competitive encounter which may be decided on penalties. They kept their cards close to their chest with regards to their preseason preparations. City to edge Sekhukhune.
Written by Siphesihle Soni