Depending on how you look at it, the one painful thing about the MTN8 is that besides the winners' prize money of a whopping R8 million, all the other seven teams receive R800 000 for their efforts. This means that those who got booted out at the first time of asking receive the same financial reward as the sides that would have lost in the strenuous two-legged semi-finals, or even the final. On the flip side of the coin, though, isn't that what makes this cup competition a unique one where teams know that it's all or nothing? Well, the good thing about this season's edition is that all of the so-called Big Three, in defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have progressed to the semifinals, which means more pulsating action awaits football lovers in the first leg encounters this weekend.
Amakhosi vs Downs is definitely the game of the round, especially looking at how the Naturena-based side lost to their Chloorkop-based counterparts in the league, in rather dramatic fashion, a couple of weeks ago. It sure is set to be an intritguing game with Chiefs having recently hit top form, but the Brazilians are always a dangerous side to play against. Molefi Ntseki's men enjoy home support in the first leg and need to come up with a positive result before the 23 September showdown at Lucas Moripe Stadium. As for Bucs, revenge is the name of the game against Stellenbosch FC, who got a smash-and-grab victory against them in the league in early August. Cape Town is always a tricky place to come to for the big guns. How will this one unfold? Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina puts on his binoculars for a close-up view of the two massive games this weekend.
Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns
2 September, FNB Stadium, 15h00
Key Battle
Mmodi v Kekana
Having opened his goalscoring account for Kaizer Chiefs with a well-taken brace last weekend against AmaZulu FC, Pule Mmodi will have his tail up and be raring to go for this one. Having had a lukewarm performance in the quarterfinal match against Cape Town City as teammates Ashley Du Preez and Edson Castillo instead registered their names on the scoresheet down in the Mother City, the former Golden Arrows man will be aiming to do better in what is a do-or-die encounter. The Bafana Bafana player was outstanding against Usuthu and showed why the Soweto giants went out of their way to recruit him prior to the beginning of the current season. With coach Molefi Ntseki showing faith in Mmodi and seemingly having an understanding on how he can be used to benefit the team throughout the season, the Downs defence may have to keep an extra eye on him. That said, the player most likely to be entrusted with that job is Grant Kekana, who has played on the right side of defence in the absence of both Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau. Though most comfortable at centreback, it's a position he has played with aplomb previously at both University of Pretoria and SuperSport United. Just as well, the 30-year-old has been enjoying good form thus far this season. He's featured in four of the Brazilians' five fixtures in the DStv Premiership so far this season (not including the Polokwane City fixture) and was rewarded for his performance with a goal against Arrows, and had a second one incorrectly ruled out for offside. He put in a good shift in the quarterfinals against Moroka Swallows and will be expected to produce a similar kind of performance on Saturday to help Downs gain an advantage going to the second leg. It's not like Sundowns were too good for Chiefs Sandile Ndlovu – Former Sundowns striker "A cup game is a cup game and cup games are always different to league games because most of the time, they like to have an element of surprise.
There are no favourites when it comes to cup games. Make no mistake, Chiefs have their own plans, no matter what is being said out there about the team. Yes, I might not be familiar with what is happening at the club, but what I am sure about is that they are planning to win matches. Knowing cup games and how funny this game can be, the Sundowns match could be a turning point for Chiefs, which I am sure is what they need to improve their season. I know that Sundowns has been winning matches in the league, but like I'm saying, cup games are a different ball game and there can be surprises when it comes to the upcoming matches for Chiefs and Sundowns in this competition. I remember in the recent 2-1 loss for Chiefs against Sundowns, it's not like Sundowns were too good for Chiefs, but there were some schoolboy errors from the goalkeeper (Brandon Petersen), which led to one of the goals. The goal was a result of something that could have been avoided. What will work for Sundowns would be to focus on their game and forget about everything else that's being said about Chiefs and all those things. They should forget about the games they have won and plan to win five more games in a row. I remember back in the day, during the times of the likes of Neil Tovey and (Angel) Cappa at Sundowns, the emphasis would always be on the upcoming games and we would be told to forget about the games that had already passed. The mistake that can be made by everyone involved would be dwelling on the Chiefs loss that's already in the past now. Do people seriously think that Chiefs do not plan for matches? Like every other club, they also do go to the drawing board to plan on how to improve from the previous game. Those players train like all the other teams do and the coaches are always looking to improve in their tactical planning. I'd like to wish everyone at the club everything of the best and that includes the head coach (Rhulani Mokwena), coach Manqoba (Mngqithi), coach Wendell (Robinson) and everyone at the club, from the charman to the players. We thank them for making us watch good football."
The Only Way We Can Beat Sundowns…
Nhlanhla Kubheka – Former Chiefs defender
"Of course, cup games are a different ball game and tactically, I think Sundowns has an upper hand. I'm saying this because they beat Chiefs in their previous game and I've noticed that they are gaining momentum. I think Chiefs will need to stamp their authority against Sundowns. You can check the history as well when you look back at when we were also playing, we used to enjoy playing against Sundowns. Yes, it's a tough game, but you really need to impose your own authority as well. The coach of Kaizer Chiefs needs to believe in himself. My advice to Chiefs is that they should play their game and compete with Sundowns. Once you are able to dominate in the middle, then it's easy to compete with Sundowns. The only way that I strongly believe that we can be able to beat Sundowns would be if we go with the approach of being the first man on the ball. Once we do that, especially in our defensive area, we would stand a chance. Also, if we can be able to hold onto the ball in the middle and rotate the ball going forward, then Chiefs can win the game. If we can have a point of reference going forward, the game would be easier for them, but if you are going to let Sundowns dictate terms, then I see Chiefs losing the game. Chiefs should go there with the emphasis that it is a one-off game that they have to win. They should believe that they can win this game and then it can happen. Coming back to the issue of the Chiefs coach, I suppose that you need to have character in that position. I think coach Ntseki got the job (at a time) where things are not going in the right direction. You must remember that even the previous coach (Arthur Zwane) had similar experiences with the supporters and all that. There was an incident last season which was similar to the recent one (against TS Galaxy).
For a new coach, it will always be difficult as Chiefs supporters are stressful at the moment because they want results and at the moment, that is something that they are not getting. The team wants consistency also and that's another thing that they are not getting. But as a coach, you need to have a strong character and you should also be able to take the criticism. I strongly believe that criticism is one aspect of the game that takes you back into your own path. As a coach, you need to use criticism to work for you and all that you need to do is to remain focused at all times in order to give out the positive output. Also, I think the Chiefs management need to really engage with the club's supporters. I don't know their structure, but I just feel that they do need to engage with the supporters through their branches. The club should engage with the supporters about the changes and that should be done directly, not online. That would provide an opportunity for them to discuss the important issues that can benefit everyone. But once they create these kinds of boundaries, it would allow for the creation of these kinds of reactions from the supporters."
Tactics: How Chiefs Can Exploit Sundowns
This season, Mokwena has spoken at length about his change of formation. In previous years, the Tshwane giants used a false nine with a narrow trio behind, or even two narrow 10s and two false nines. Last season, and at times after Kermit Erasmus was signed, a midfield diamond was selected. After signing Thapelo Maseko, Lesiba Nku and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Masandawana are playing with wingers again.
3-2-4-1 Shape
From the 4-4-2 diamond, the shape is now more of a hybrid 4-3-3 and 3-2-4-1. Rivaldo Coetzee plays the "John Stones" role of stepping up from centre-back into a defensive midfield role alongside Teboho Mokoena when the side has possession. This leaves a narrow back three behind the duo. On the left, Maseko and Aubrey Modiba have been tasked with providing natural width whilst either Ribeiro or Khuliso Mudau have provided balance on the opposite side. So, what can Chiefs do to exploit this shape? In the league meeting, their best moments in the first half came when Ashley Du Preez isolated Abdelmounaim Boutouil in a wide area. The latter is crucial at aggressively stepping up to defend the left half-space, but he is less comfortable getting into a foot race on the touchline. He twice pulled back Du Preez in that match. Whilst the former Stellies man has been used down the middle of late, it could fall on Christian Saile or Tebogo Potsane to drive down the line at the Moroccan.
Amakhosi midfield
In the first meeting, the Soweto giants used a flat midfield three with Siyethemba Sithebe selected. This didn't really work as Chiefs only connected 57 accurate passes in the first 45 minutes and didn't have a shot at Downs' goal until the second half. Realistically, Ntseki's men need to be more direct and not play out from the back in high-risk situations. Yusu Maart and Edson Castillo can sit as a double pivot and try to deal with the two 10s, Marcelo Allende and Themba Zwane. With Peter Shalulile absent, Ribeiro could play as a false nine. Sundowns have to be brave enough to get Given Msimango to engage him, with the rest of the defence narrowing off. For that reason, Zitha Kwinika at right back would make sense. Reeve Frosler could potentially replace Mduduzi Mdantsane in the line-up as a right wingback (with the shape switching to a 5-2-3 defensively) or Frosler could play narrow on the right in Sithebe's role from the first meeting.
Keep It Simple
Aggression in the duels will be key and so will fast counters through the passing of Maart. A surprise start for Samkelo Zwane as a third midfielder is another option as his long-range passing could help to feed Mmodi, Potsane (or Saile) and Du Preez on counter-attacks. In summary, Amakhosi need to be narrow and compact or they risk being outnumbered by Downs' box midfield and Ribeiro also overloading from a false nine role. Be direct, avoid risks and play like the underdogs! Two draws could be enough to reach the final on away goals.
Stellenbosch FC v Orlando Pirates
3 September, Athlone Stadium, 15h00
Key Battle
Rayners v Sibisi
After getting their first defeat of the 2023/24 season in the opening match against Stellenbosch FC, Orlando Pirates will feel it's time to settle a score! Despite being the home side, Steve Barker's men will not be at their favourite venue, the Danie Craven Stadium, where teams have struggled to come back with results in recent seasons, but Athlone Stadium is still tricky territory for a side like Orlando Pirates. With Iqraam Rayners appearing to be picking form at the right time, this cup game could be what the doctor ordered for the hard-running sharpshooter as Stellies eye a place in the final of a cup competition for the first time in their existence. The bulky Rayners can be a menace on his day, although the Bucs defence seem to have kept him on a leash in their recent league tie. He will want to show them a thing or two, but Nkosinathi Sibisi, who had a wonderful first season with Pirates, will want to have a big say in that. The ex-Arrows centreback knows how to stick to a striker like glue and Rayners will need to use every opportunity that comes his way or else it may be a frustrating afternoon in front of home fans for him. Nonetheless, this promises to be a very crucial duel in a very important match, least of all because Sibisi is also able to venture forward during set-pieces, having scored against the Winelands outfit from a set-piece situation early last season.
Pirates Will Have A Problem
Lelethu Skelem – Former Stellenbosch FC striker
"I have no doubt in my mind that Stellenbosch will win this one. There is too much energy in that team and the way the guys play is on another level. I don't think the Pirates defence is going to be able to handle them because what I've noticed about them is that they are too slow, while Stellenbosch midfielders and strikers are fast. Just like the Danie Craven Stadium, Athlone Stadium doesn't have such a big pitch and immediately, that tells me that Pirates will have a problem because they are used to playing in big fields. The way Pirates play, they need a bigger field to express themselves in the way they are used to. It is going to be a tough game for both sides, but Stellenbosch will emerge victorious in the end, just like in the league match earlier this season. Also, this time around you can expect to see a lot of goals being scored. Both teams will score because what I've noticed about the two teams is that their defenders like to commit errors, but Stellenbosch will score more goals to win. For example, I still have question marks about the understanding between Thabo (Moloisane) and (Ismael) Toure as it looks like there are communication problems between the two of them when I look at it from a distance. It can improve and get better, and in Toure, I see similar qualities to those of former Stellenbosch defender Sibusiso Mthethwa. He is as aggressive as Mthethwa and when he commits, he doesn't pull out of a tackle. History will be made and Stellenbosch will play in the final after the two-legged semi-final against Pirates."
That's What I Can Promise You
James Mothibi – Former Pirates striker
"I had an opportunity to watch Pirates live at the stadium on Friday in the CAF Champions League against Djabal Club from Comoros. The way they build up play from the back, through the middle and into the last third, they are a team in the process of building. They are not yet there, but I'm telling you, they are going to get there. Pirates is a team that people must watch out for. The coach is doing brilliant stuff behind closed doors with coach Mandla (Ncikazi) and the rest of the technical team as well as the management. It's all about teamwork at Pirates and they remind me of when we were still playing under coach Kostadin Papic.
The way they distribute the ball and the way they score their goals is a marvel to watch and they are very disciplined in terms of tactical awareness. Sometimes we must not crush good things, we must motivate them. Pirates is on fire now and everyone can see the progress that is being made by the club. Stellenbosch must be aware of Pirates in as much as Pirates will need to be aware of Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch will be seen as underdogs, but we all know what happened in the first game of the season, Pirates lost. We must focus on our game and finish Stellenbosch off. We are going to win and that's what I can tell you. We are going to the final and that's what I can promise you. Come next week, Pirates will have returned from Cape Town with a victory and I'm supportive to the team and happy with everyone at the club."
Bucs, Beware The Stellies Speed
For anyone who watched the opening match of the season between Stellenbosch and Pirates, they will have noticed that a big factor was the Winelands club's fast transitions. There are few teams, if any, in the PSL who possess the sort of pure pace in the front areas that Stellies can call upon. That night, with Deon Hotto playing as a left back, there were constant opportunities for Steve Barker's side to counter-attack into wide open spaces. Pirates' rest defence The most important thing for the Houghton-based side defensively is going to be their 'rest defence', essentially how they set up behind the ball when they are in possession. It seems after his cameo appearance against Cape Town City, Miguel Timm will be fit to start, so it appears the onus defensively will fall on his shoulders. He is a good few years into his 30s and may struggle to shackle Jayden Adams in that number 10 role for Stellenbosch. It is also imperative to keep at least one fullback at home during the attacking phase to tuck in alongside Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki. This is the ideal match for Paseka Mako to play at either left back or right back and to stay back to snuff out counters.
Ox vs Tito One To Watch
Tactically, the Patrick Maswanganyi v Sibongiseni Mthethwa is another battle that may decide this first leg. The duo has been amongst the best players in the DStv Premiership this season. The former SuperSport United playmaker has been a perfect fit at Pirates and such is his ability between the lines that the reliance on Thembinkosi Lorch for creativity has become a distance memory. With Zakhele Lepasa already scoring nine goals this season, it is going to be key to limit the service to him. Mthethwa's controlled aggression will be crucial to keep the midfield compact alongside Genino Palace. "The Ox" excelled against Matsatsantsa last weekend and the vicecaptain is arguably as important as Rayners to the Stellies cause.
Possession Not Important To Barker
Whilst his side are very capable of keeping the ball and playing out the back, Stellenbosch were in the bottom half in the possession leaderboards last term. They are more about penetration and purposeful passing, whilst Pirates tend to have more of the ball. DStv Diski Challenge graduate Qobolwakhe Sibande started as a left winger against SuperSport despite being a natural left back. He could be selected again to track the attacking forays of Thabiso Monyane and also to double up on Monnapule Saleng. The first meeting between these sides saw two strange selections by Jose Riveiro. Firstly, using Hotto at left back and secondly, playing Fortune Makaringe as some sort of narrow right winger. A balanced 4-2-3-1 matches up better against Stellies and should allow the Buccaneers to have 55% to 60% of the possession. The question is what the two teams do with the ball – quality is more important than quantity.
