The MTN8 semi-final first leg this weekend will see Orlando Pirates visit Sekhukhune United in the first of three consecutive matches between the sides (including one in the South African Premiership), while Mamelodi Sundowns will host Golden Arrows.
Sekhukhune and Pirates will play the first leg of their tie at Polokwane’s Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 3 p.m. South African Standard Time (SAST) on Saturday. Mamelodi Sundowns will then host Golden Arrows at Atteridgeville’s Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday at 3 p.m.
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The reverse fixtures will take place the following weekend – with Orlando Pirates hosting Sekhukhune next Saturday and Mamelodi Sundowns visiting Golden Arrows in Durban on Sunday.
All four matches are set to air on SuperSport. The away goals rule is in effect and there will be no extra-time in the case of a draw over the course of two legs, though it is used in the quarter-finals and final (which are both single-leg ties). If teams are level on goals and away goals, the semi-finals will go straight to penalties at the end of the second leg.
Sekhukhune United vs. Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates are the reigning MTN8 and South African Premiership champions. Orlando Pirates/Instagram – @orlandopirates
Orlando Pirates have won the last four MTN8 tournaments and the defending Premiership champions also went top of the league on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Chippa United. Ghampani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami were amongst the goals for the Buccaneers.
They face tricky league and cup tests against Sekhukhune. Cedric Kaze began his reign as head coach with a 1-0 league win over Durban City, followed by a 4-3 MTN8 quarter-final win over AmaZulu. A 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the league was followed by a 2-0 bounceback win over Polokwane City, with goals from Tshepo Mokoane and Ngoanamello Rammala.
Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Kick-off time: 3 p.m. CAT on Saturday, August 22
How to watch: The match will air on SuperSport’s DSTV channel 202
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Golden Arrows
Sundowns lost to Orlando Pirates on penalties in the MTN8 semi-finals last season, with the Buccaneers coming from behind to draw both legs 1-1 to force a 2-2 aggregate draw and then triumphing in the penalty shootout.
