As expected, the first leg MTN8 semi-finals this past weekend produced some fun-filled action and raised the bar on what could be anticipated in the second leg clashes.
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns got the ball rolling at FNB Stadium on Saturday with their thrilling 1-1 draw, while Stellenbosch FC were defeated at home by Orlando Pirates 2-1 at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.
The second leg clashes will be on the weekend of the 23/24 September at the Lucas Moripe and Orlando Stadium respectively.
Former Bidvest Wits and AmaZulu striker Siifiso 'Jomo' Vilakazi is putting money on the Brazilians to go all the to win the competition.
The Good
"After watching the games and if I have to make a prediction, everything is pointing at Sundowns as the team to possibly go all the way in this year's competition. Sundowns is a team that is used to occasions like these and they are like a well-oiled machined at the moment. Sundowns are a team that is playing with confidence and are always good to watch. They will rise to the occasion in the second leg match to upset Chiefs. The style of play of Sundowns is unique and they don't concede a lot of goals. Even if a player is new at Sundowns it doesn't take him long to gel with the team. He (Rulani Mokwena) is getting there and the team is doing well under him," said Vilakazi.
The Bad
"As for the other game, I think it is more like over as I can't see Stellenbosch beating Pirates in Orlando. Pirates have made the Orlando Stadium to be more like their slaughterhouse and they don't allow teams to go there and do as they please," he said.
The Ugly
"What I have noticed is that a lot of teams tend to show Sundowns too much respect when they play against them and that's where they always get it wrong. Even with Chiefs, they could have won against Sundowns in both the games they have played in the league and cup this season. Sundowns is a team that is good with transition. At times, they look like they are defending and then catch teams on transition," added Vilakazi.
"My Only Concern About Sundowns"
"The only concern I have about Sundowns is that they tend to be over reliant on Peter Shalulile. He is more like a coordinator in that team and whenever he is not there one can tell. On the other hand, Pirates have an in-form player in Zakhele Lasasa who doesn't seem like he will stop scoring any time soon. I think South Africa can have one of the best strikers in Lepasa if he is managed properly. I see him doing even better in the coming matches as long as he's got a player like (Patrick) Maswangayi behind him who has also been doing well. Pirates are playing in a similar way to that of Sundowns and they are the team that I think can challenge Sundowns this season," concluded Vilakazi.
Who are the two teams that will play in this season's MTN8 final?
