After an exciting opening weekend of the MTN8 coupled with many controversies around sub-standard pitches and questionable officiating, the lucrative tournament continues with four teams fighting for the remaining two spots in the semi-finals.
Sekhukhune United and Cape Town City will kick off this weekend’s action when they battle it out at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday at 15:00.
The final quarterfinal of the 2024 edition is between last season’s MTN8 runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday at 15:00.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have already booked their place in the last four.
Pirates dispatched SuperSport United by 3-1 in a match marred by controversial calls by match officials.
Stellies knocked out TS Galaxy with the same scoreline on a below-par surface at Danie Craven Stadium. Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic felt the pitch was so bad that it could break a cow’s leg.
The Stellenbosch venue hosted the World Rugby U20 Championship matches when the Western Cape experienced heavy rains in July.
Sundowns aim for a strong start under the new leadership, Rise and Shine look to cause upset
The clash against Polokwane will usher in a new era for Sundowns after coach Rulani Mokwena’s dramatic exit from the league’s reigning champions.
Highly respected mentor Manqoba Mngqithi leads a newly assembled technical team that includes well-established coach Steve Komphela and former AmaZulu FC and Marumo Gallants boss Romain Folz.
Under Mokwena, Sundowns were almost untouchable as they won the league title with a record-breaking 73 points, losing just a single match in the process.
Sundowns also won the inaugural African Football League and reached the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals while their journey in the CAF Champions League ended in the semis.
Mngqithi and his crew are automatically under pressure to match or surpass Mokwena’s achievements.
On the other hand, Polokwane head to the clash as underdogs but they will back themselves to cause a major upset in the tourney.
While they have parted ways with a handful of their players from last season, the Rise and Shine have managed to hold on to their star players so far.
Attacking wizard Oswin Appollis and exciting right back Thabang Matuludi, are one of the most sought-after players in the Premier Soccer League and beyond borders but are still in the books of the Limpopo-based club.
On Sunday, @Masandawana take on @polokwane_city in the last quarter-final.
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) August 8, 2024
Tickets for this #MTN8 match are available at TicketPro outlets and online for R60.
🎫: https://t.co/TeNJ5gHteY pic.twitter.com/11or3xOhK3
How to watch?
You can watch all the action on Pay-TV SuperSport PSL (Channel 202) and free-to-air SABC 1. The broadcast will include a build-up, with expert analysis from 14:30 on both channels.
Betting odds
Without a doubt, the smart money will be on Sundowns to claim waltz past their visitors and progress to the semi-finals.
However, Polokwane will be no push over and last season were stronger away compared to when they played at home.
7/20 Sundowns | Draw 33/10 | Polokwane 13/2
Lucas Moripe Stadium
The venue is nestled in Atteridgeville township and has a capacity of 29,000. The stadium is named after South African football legend Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe.
Sundowns are forced to play at the venue because their usual home, the Vodacom-branded Loftus Stadium clashes with the competition’s sponsor MTN.
Nonetheless, Sundowns still enjoy massive support when they play at their alternative home venue.
The new season is here! We kick off with #MTN8 action at home! 👆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 8, 2024
⚽ Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City
📅 11 August
⏰ 15H00
🏟 Lucas Moripe Stadium
🎟 https://t.co/E7rJA15UPG
📺 SS202#Sundowns #MTN8 pic.twitter.com/2EjI0CWHUt
Last meeting
The last match between the two sides was back in December and it ended in a goalless draw at Loftus Stadium.
Head-to-head
Sundowns have dominated this fixture and in the last five meetings, Polokwane have not been able to win a match.
Masandawana have won four of the five matches while the other ended in a draw.
Players to watch
While Sundowns have a lot of exciting players, people will be eager to see new stars such as Kobamelo Kodisang and Arthur Sales from Brazil as they are likely to play.
Lucas Riberio, Themba Zwane and Khuliso Mudau remain key players for the hosts.
For the Rise and Shine, Appollis and Matuludi are going to be crucial in the bid to proceed to the next round.
Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United eye the R10 million prize money for MTN8
Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has made his intentions of competing and winning titles this season known and will fancy his chances in the MTN8.
While Tinkler has lost striker Khanyisa Mayo, the club has made some interesting signings including Fortune Makaringe, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Hashim Domingo and others.
Sekhukhune have a new coach in Peter Hyballa, who has been rumoured to be on his way out, but the club hasn’t confirmed, and it appears as if he will oversee his first match on Saturday.
Tickets for the #MTN8 quarter-final match between @SekhukhuneFc and @CapeTownCityFC are available at TicketPro outlets and online for R60.
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) August 6, 2024
🎫: https://t.co/TeNJ5gHteY pic.twitter.com/27lUP9hCp3
How to watch?
You can watch all the action on Pay-TV SuperSport PSL (Channel 202) and free-to-air SABC 1. The broadcast will include a build-up, with expert analysis from 14:30 on both channels.
Betting odds
This game is likely to be a close contest, but The Citizens might have an edge over their rivals who have a new coach.
The reported turmoil in Hyballa’s camp will not make it easy for Sekhukhune.
16/10 Sekhukhune | Draw 2/1 | Cape Town City 16/10
Peter Mokaba Stadium
The 45,000-seater stadium hosted some of the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches and it is home to Sekhukhune, Polokwane and Magesi FC.
Eyes on the prize. pic.twitter.com/gUcSBKOZS8
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 8, 2024
Last meeting
The last outing between the teams ended in a 2-2 draw in April. Sekhukhune hosted that league match.
Head-to-head
Clashes between Babina Noko and the Citizens are always a close contest and don’t produce a lot of goals.
The teams have met six times in history, with two wins and as many draws apiece.
Players to watch
Skipper Linda Mntambo, the new duo of Njabulo Ngcobo and Thabang Monare will be players to watch for Sekhukhune.
For City, youngster Jaedin Rhodes was one of the star performers last season and will be key once again alongside Makaringe, Domingo and Thabo Nodada.
#MTN8 Media Open Day 🎤 🎥 📸
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) August 6, 2024
🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe #WafaWafa pic.twitter.com/rQudYEnXVY
