MTN 8 Cup: No surprises as favorites advance to the semi-finals | OneFootball

Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch, and Sekhukhune secure their spots in the final four.

MTN 8 Cup

The South African football season kicked off at full throttle with the quarter-finals of the MTN 8 Cup, a highly anticipated tournament featuring the top eight teams from the previous Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. As expected, the favorites lived up to their billing after this weekend’s fiercely contested matches.

In the quarter-final showdown, Mamelodi Sundowns, reigning PSL champions, showed no signs of weakness as they cruised past Richards Bay FC (4-0). The Orlando Pirates, champions of the 2022 edition, also punched their ticket to the final four by dispatching Polokwane (2-0).

Stellenbosch continue their ambitious run, narrowly edging TS Galaxy with a 3-2 victory. Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United delivered the surprise of the round by booking a spot in the semi-finals. They had to dig deep to overcome AmaZulu (3-2) after extra time.

A heavyweight clash on the horizon, a final before the final

The draw, held after the last quarter-final, has set up some mouthwatering fixtures for the rest of the tournament. Mamelodi Sundowns will lock horns with their historic rivals, Orlando Pirates. This matchup promises a high-voltage showdown between two South African football giants. The other semi-final will see Stellenbosch FC face off against Sekhukhune United in a clash that looks wide open and unpredictable.

The official dates for the two MTN 8 Cup semi-finals have yet to be announced by the Premier Soccer League. In the meantime, the remaining teams will continue their preparations as they eye a spot in the final.