To say the MTN8 first leg semifinals were an exciting affair would be an understatement. They were two sublime games played by four determined teams, with those considered somewhat of underdogs scoring first, only for the favourites to claw their way back. Kaizer Chiefs were played off the park by Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of possession, yet they almost walked away with a 1-0 victory, if only for lax defending to allow Khuliso Mudau to head home from the six-yard area. Likewise, Stellenbosch FC displayed a gallant effort in front of a packed Athlone Stadium against Orlando Pirates, taking the lead just after going a man down, but were guilty of ball-watching as Deon Hotto profited from a wonderful Patrick Maswanganyi assist for a 2-1 victory. All that this means is that the second leg affairs will just be as hard to predict, even with some foreseeing Downs and Bucs in the 7 October final. So, who's prepared to go the extra mile and concentrate for the full 90 minutes and beyond? Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane finds out in this preview.
Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs
23 September, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 15h00
Tactics: Chiefs' number 10, Maart influence, Du Preez position
In any two-legged affair, the first leg will have a bearing on how the second leg is played tactically. That is not just based on the score from the first meeting but also the away goal rule, forewarning over opposition strengths and getting an indication of where to improve.
Ntseki has big calls in the front four
This season has seen a much more settled Kaizer Chiefs side in terms of team selection. The back four has not changed a lot, especially at centre-back and at left back. The midfield two have played every match, whilst Pule Mmodi and Ashley Du Preez have been certain picks in attack. For Molefi Ntseki, there are a couple of big calls he will have to make. Firstly, Mduduzi Mdantsane played the first leg as the number 10, but he had little positive effect. George Matlou is back in favour and he started against Royal AM last weekend. Mduduzi Shabalala also featured in that match, albeit in a narrow left-sided role. We even saw Nkosingiphile Ngcobo get a rare outing. The identity of the third midfielder will have a major bearing on how the Soweto giants play. It feels like a problem position with none of the options really taking their chance when starting, and Keagan Dolly not quite ready to return just yet. If the side had a third central midfielder who was match-fit and who complemented Edson Castillo and Yusuf Maart, it may be a good game to stiffen up the engine room instead of having a luxury number 10. Down the right, there was no sign of Tebogo Potsane against Thwihli Thwahla, so it's a choice between Christian Saile (who was strangely unused in the first leg), using Shabalala wide or playing Du Preez in that role with a focal point number nine in either Jasond Gonzalez or Ranga Chivaviro selected. Du Preez is much more effective as a number nine, but that doesn't mean Ntseki will necessarily play him there.
Chiefs' nemesis returns from injury
The first leg feels like a missed opportunity for Amakhosi as they not only conceded a 93rd minute away goal, but they also had the rare chance to play Mamelodi Sundowns without talisman Peter Shalulile. The Namibian used the FIFA break to overcome an injury and he was used for 24 minutes in Tanzania against Bumamuru last Friday. He took just 13 minutes to get back on the scoresheet. The Naturena-based outfit tend to struggle against the striker's movement and relentless work-rate and he has scored seven times against them as well as consistently assisted goals against Amakhosi. The only time Sundowns have lost to the visitors in the last eight clashes was when they were without Shalulile. Aside from this, his return allows Lucas Ribeiro Costa to return to the right flank. He has been alternating between a false nine and in a narrower right-sided role to cover for Shalulile's loss and has done a sterling job. The international break afforded players like Mosa Lebusa, Khuliso Mudau, Rivaldo Coetzee, Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena time to fully shake off injuries, recover some freshness and also have training time to work on new ideas. A well-rested Sundowns is an ominous proposition.
Midweek will have a huge effect!
The fact that both sides had big matches in midweek is a major factor. The Tshwane giants faced Orlando Prates on Wednesday having flown back from Tanzania, whilst Chiefs travelled to Polokwane to square up against SuperSport United. Both games were played after this edition of Soccer Laduma went to print, and they could lead to injuries, fatigue or suspensions in the case of players like Sifiso Hlanti. Some players may have been rested for either side, but considering the Glamour Boys are one game away from a rare cup final, they may be wise to prioritise the cup fixture. Sundowns tend to beat Bucs – winning seven of the last nine meetings – but are unlikely to have made many changes to their XI.
That match may have given Shalulile a chance to play another 20-30 minutes for match fitness, but it mustn't be forgotten that Rhulani Mokwena strives to win every single fixture, so the best XI may have been put out. Masandawana have more tactical variety, being able to play either their usual 3-2-4-1 shape in possession or even go to a traditional back four with rampaging fullbacks as we saw in the final 20-odd minutes in the first leg. They can easily play different formations and strategies within matches, so Chiefs won't have an easy time predicting their approach from their analysis. Meanwhile, Ntseki almost always plays 4-2-3-1 and Downs are not really going to be surprised very much. Although Mokwena did admit after the league meeting with Amakhosi, "They caught us a little bit unawares by going with a three-man midfield with Sithebe." One of the players who has to pull finger in this match is Maart. He has had two quiet games against the Chloorkop-based side and we need to see the all-action player from Saturday – Maart had the most ball recoveries in the Royal AM fixture (12), the most passes into the final third (13), he hit the second-most accurate long balls of the outfield players (eight) and he created three chances.
Formations don't win games
It's a much anticipated game, and one that could go either way even though Mamelodi Sundowns carry the 'favourites' tag and Kaizer Chiefs, who let a surprise lead slip through their fingers in the first leg, come in as underdogs. We touched base with renowned coach and TV pundit Farouk Khan as he gives his thoughts on the two coaches, focusing on their starting line-ups, tactics and impact players.
On the Sundowns starting line-up
"The Sundowns line-up is always going to be strong because of the quality they have in depth. Peter Shalulile is back and that's an important piece for Sundowns going into the second leg. Remember he was not available for the first leg due to injury, but he is back now and that's going to make Chiefs' work even harder on the day. He has previously done well against Chiefs."
On the Chiefs first XI
"What's important for Chiefs is Edson Castillo and Yusuf Maart in the midfield. They break down attacks. Up front, they have Ashley Du Preez, who has the pace to undo any defence. I am not yet convinced by the new striker they have signed (Jasond Gonzalez), but they obviously have to give him some time to adapt to the new environment. I think (Christian) Saile has done well so far. Whenever he has come on, he has done well. With Given Msimango coming into that defence, they have a bit more stability and they can play out from the back. Brandon Petersen has done well. Even though he has made a few errors, he has made up for that with some world-class saves. The team is in the building process, but I don't think you should write them off. They have an away goal disadvantage, but anything is possible."
On how Sundowns will approach it
"Obviously, the tactics would be different to what it would be if he had played against (Orlando) Pirates because Pirates play significantly differently to Chiefs these days. It will be interesting to see how Chiefs are in defence because they will be under constant pressure from Sundowns. Sundowns will play those combination passes, (make) those third-man runs, those overlapping runs. I am glad that Rhulani has made people realise that formations do not win games. When the game is on, the formation is constantly evolving. We said this years ago with Ted (Dumitru) and people thought that we were mad. When everybody was talking about football, they were talking about 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1. Telephone numbers. The game constantly changes and that's what Rhulani has made people realise."
On how Chiefs may set up their stall
"I was a little bit disappointed in the first leg because I felt that Chiefs sat back a little bit too much. I would have thought that, being at home, they would have come out a bit more and then be a bit more conservative when they go away from home. They got a goal but conceded at a time they shouldn't have. Had they got a 1-0 win on the day, I would have said the tactics were appropriate, but I sometimes think the best form of defence is attack. Keep Sundowns on the backfoot and force them to play longer balls from defence and take the game to them. There are risks involved in doing that, but in football and in life, there is a saying that goes, 'He who dares wins.' So, they've got to dare. They have to take risks. Sometimes the risks can pay off and sometimes they may not. But I would say with a team like Sundowns, Chiefs should take the game to them. If they win, then it can be 3-2 or 4-3. But don't sit back and look for the odd goal because that can come back to haunt you."
On Brazilians' key players
"I've been impressed with the South Americans at Sundowns. Lucas Ribeiro has been doing great… and the playmaker, Marcelo Allende. I dream of having players like that because those are quality players. I'd enjoy coaching them because those players find solutions. Ribeiro, in particular, has this awareness of space and time. He knows how to use space and time and the tempo. He is elusive and he is tactically aware. He knows exactly where to be at a given time. He has a phenomenal finishing touch. He knows what technique to use at a specific time. He won't just go for power. When you look at some of his goals, they were delicately placed, at the far post or on the ground, with accuracy. I look at a player like that and I think, 'Wow, this is a finisher!' I wouldn't call him a striker because he is not your conventional number nine, but he is more like a false nine who comes from deep positions. He takes a lot of attention away from a guy like Shalulile, which allows him to get into good scoring situations."
On Amakhosi's weapons
"Castillo. He is a very good player and he is intelligent. He has the right physicality and right aggression and I think some of that is rubbing off onto Maart because I think he is improving in that regard. I also can't forget about Du Preez. When Du Preez is in the line-up, then you expect something to happen because of his pace and skill and his awareness around the goal. So, for me, he is another impact player for Chiefs."
Orlando Pirates v Stellenbosch FC
24 September, Orlando Stadium, 15h00
Pirates are big favourites to advance
That 94th minute Deon Hotto goal in the first leg was massive. That strike not only gave Orlando Pirates a first leg lead but also two away goals. It means that even a 1-0 Stellenbosch FC win at Orlando Stadium will not be enough. Much the same way that Mamelodi Sundowns can progress with a 0-0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs, those strikes on the road are so valuable.
Set-plays are key
Despite being down to 10 men, Stellies took a lead in that first match three weeks ago from a set-piece. An out-swinging Fawaaz Basadien corner from the left was headed home by Olivier Toure. Although Sipho Chaine could have saved the effort, it shows the danger the Winelands club will pose from dead balls. In fact, with Deano Van Rooyen suffering from concussion, it could mean former Baroka FC right back Basil Mphahlele is in the starting XI. He boasts one of the best long-throws around and don't be surprised to see Steve Barker's side send their centre-backs forward for these deliveries, although Toure's absence after getting a red card against Moroka Swallows on Tuesday is a big blow. That said, the centre-backs bombing forward to attack set-pieces could still be a totally new weapon from the first encounter.
Maswanganyi v The Ox – Will the real Man of the Match please stand up!
The Patrick Maswanganyi v Sibongiseni Mthethwa battle was highlighted as key before the first leg. In the end, the Buccaneers midfielder took the Man of the Match award, something Barker wasn't happy with. The former SuperSport United man assisted both goals for the Soweto giants, picking up the ball in the half-spaces and delivering accurate crosses. With Mthethwa protecting space in front of the back four, it made sense to move slightly wider to get some separation from The Ox's aggressive marking. Maswanganyi was great at creating wide overloads, getting shots away, turning between the lines and having an excellent final ball. Not many players domestically are currently playing as well as him! Once again, this battle will have a key say in who reaches the MTN8 final.
Titus pace could make the difference
Stellies have really missed the speed of Devin Titus on the right wing. He netted seven goals last term and is usually the man to carry the ball or charge into space on counter-attacks. His red card against Chiefs in the league saw him suspended for the first leg without a natural replacement. His return for this game will mean Iqraam Rayners has more support and it could also drive Paseka Mako back into defensive positions after he had such a big influence going forward in the first leg. We know Stellenbosch had amongst the lowest possession numbers in the PSL in 2022/23, around the 10th-most, and they won't care if the Sea Robbers monopolise the ball. It will be all about how much penetration and speed they can muster when the ball turns over to exploit spaces down the sides. If they score the first goal, it will be game on! However, Bucs netting first will mean the visitors need two goals just to send the game into extra-time.
He's the talk of the town
As a former Stellenbosch FC player, this is an exciting time for Diego Brown. The coastal side might have a disadvantage going into the second leg on the back of a 2-1 defeat in the first encounter, but he believes they have what it takes to finally get to their first major knockout competition final in the PSL. Soccer Laduma caught up with the now retired star to talk about the chances of Stellies pulling off a comeback.
Tshepang Mailwane: After the first leg encounter, where do you think Stellies can hurt Bucs?
Diego Brown: With cup games, it's always different. I think with the break Stellenbosch had, it gave them a lot of time to prepare for the second leg. As players, you look forward to these kinds of games. I am a Stellies boy and I think they can go to Orlando and cause an upset. I think what's important is for them to stay organised and stick to their plan. If they can do that, then they can cause a lot of damage for Pirates. They are young and energetic, so I think they can hurt Pirates by making those runs behind the defence, with Antonio van Wyk having a good season so far. I think they can also hurt Pirates with set-pieces. I really think Stellies can go there and cause an upset, but it's not going to be easy because they are going to be playing against a well-organised team. Like I said, cup games are different to league games.
TM: Zakhele Lepasa has been in fine form for the home side…
DB: Lepasa is having a dream start to the season. As a striker, you always want to get off on a good note, especially when you look back at the last few seasons where things have not been so good for him. I'm really happy for him because he's finding his feet and he's becoming known for being lethal in front of goal. But he will be a marked man now because he is putting himself out there. People are sitting back and taking note of him, so that means they can plan for him and figure out how to stop him. He's got that confidence and arrogance and he knows that he has got a goal in him. If you want to be Man of the Match in a game like this, then you have to stop Lepasa. I am sure coach Steve Barker has already worked on something because he is an organised coach. So, I think the Stellenbosch defence will have their work cut out. It's going to take something extra to try to stop this guy because he is the talk of the town. It will be a good test for the Stellenbosch defence.
TM: In contrast, Iqraam Rayners has had a rather slow start to the season.
DB: Iqraam has been doing well since coming back to Stellenbosch. Last season, he had a beautiful end to the campaign by scoring so many goals and being the go-to guy for the team. I think he has been doing well, but he has not had the start to the season that he would have wanted. Maybe this is the game where he can get that confidence back and who knows, the rest will follow. People are looking to him to get the goals, but there are other people around him to help and can ease the burden for him. I think these are the games he looks forward to and I think this will be the perfect game for him to get those goals and get back that confidence. I'm sure he wants to improve his numbers from last season. I still believe he's one of the best strikers in the country. This is the game where he can get that feeling back.
TM: What's the best way for your former team to approach a game like this?
DB: The best way for Stellenbosch to approach this game is to be brave. They should attack. They should not sit back and wait for Pirates to come at them. Stellenbosch has the energy in the team and I think they should use this. They should just believe in themselves. They haven't had the best of starts in the league, so this is the moment where they should go there and just be brave. They should have a go at Pirates. They should not wait to play on the counterattack. They have an ability to go out there from the start and attack.
TM: What would it mean for Stellies to reach their first cup final?
DB: For the people of Stellenbosch, it would mean a lot. If there are no red cards in this game, then I think Stellenbosch has a good chance of reaching the final. If you look at the history of Stellenbosch against the so-called big teams of South Africa, there's always been a factor of the officials, where a Stellenbosch player gets a red card, and the game is not even. For them to reach the final would be huge. They don't even have to win the final. It would just be huge for Stellenbosch as a community. Stellenbosch is close to my heart, so it would be huge. They have to go into this game with great mental strength and tell themselves that it's possible to get past this stage. It will all come down to how the players arrive on the day, how they start the game and how they compete and how much they really want to win on the day.
TM: Your prediction?
DB: I'm definitely going with Stellenbosch to progress to the final. I want to see them going to the final and I want to see them breaking this duck of getting knocked out in the semi-finals. They have a good team and a good coaching staff. If you are a Stellenbosch player now, all you need to do is give your best and play for that badge and the rest will take care of itself.
