The first legs of the MTN8 semi finals take place this weekend and we take a look at Saturday’s clash between Sekhukhune and Orlando Pirates and Sunday’s match up between Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
Remember the semi finals are settled over two legs and the return ties take place next weekend. Let’s begin with an outright betting update to lift the trophy.
To Win The Tournament
Pirates 12/10
Sundowns 14/10
Sekhukhune 6/1
Golden Arrows 7/1
Sekhukhune vs Orlando Pirates (Saturday)
Sekhukhune made it to the semi finals and four different players found the net in a pulsating 4-3 MTN8 quarter final win at Amazulu with Vuyo Letlapa bagging the all important winner in extra time.
In the Betway Premiership Sekhukhune are just 1 point off the pace with a record of 2 wins and 1 draw. They were 1-0 winners against Durban City in the opening round before going down 2-0 away to Kaizer Chiefs and last weekend they were 2-0 winners against Polokane City.
In the MTN8 of 2025 Sekhukhune won their quarter final at home to TS Galaxy 3-2 before they lost to Stellenbosch 3-1 on aggregate in the semi’s.
Pirates have won this competition in each of the last 4 seasons and they booked their semi final place after digging deep to see off Durban City 2-1 after extra time in the quarters in Orlando. Maswanganyi put the Bucs in front from the penalty spot but although City were down to men from that moment onwards Pirates conceded in the second half, the game went into extra time and right at the death Ghampani Lungu popped up with the winner.
After 3 rounds of Betway Premiership matches Pirates top the log on goal difference ahead of Chiefs, Sundowns and Amazulu who all have 7 points. They started with a 2-0 home win over Milford FC before playing out a 1-1 draw at Amazulu and most recently they were 3-0 winners against Chippa. After this Pirates will meet Sekhukhune in a midweek league match in Orlando.
In the MTN8 of 2025 Pirates beat Polokwane City (2-0) in the quarters and then got the better of Sundowns in a semi final penalty shoot out. Pirates beat Stellenbosch 3-0 in last season’s final with all the goals coming in extra time
Verdict:
With this clash followed by the league game in midweek and then the second leg of this semi final all in the space of a week these players are going to know each other well. This first meeting could be close and I’m with the draw at half time and full time
Bets: Half time / Full time, Draw / Draw at 33/10 with Lucky Fish
Note, odds are subject to change
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows (Sunday)
The quarter finals saw Sundowns deliver a 3-2 home win over Polokwane City. Downs conceded early but were 2-1 up by half time thanks to goals from Mokoena and van Wyk. Polokwane equalized to force extra time and Mailula found the winner in the 113th minute.
Sundowns have won 2 and drawn 1 of their opening Betway Premiership matches and are one of four teams sharing top spot with 7 points. They won 3-2 at TS Galaxy and most recently 2-0 at home to Gallants either side of a 1-1 draw at Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns beat Richards Bay 4-0 in last season’s MTN8 quarter finals, both legs of their subsequent semi final match up with Pirates finished all square and they bowed on penalty kicks.
A goal from Khulekani Shezi gave Arrows a surprise 1-0 win away to Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter finals. That goal is highly significant as it is the only time they have scored in the new season whilst at the other end of the park their defence has yet to be breached.
In the first three league games Arrows have played out 0-0 daws at home to Chippa and away at Durban City and TS Galaxy and they can be found in mid table.
The Verdict
Arrows are going to look to keep this tight and given they haven’t conceded this season they will be confident they can come through the away leg unscathed. I’m with the draw at half time before Sundowns find a winner in the second half.
Bets: Half time / Full time, Draw / Sundowns at 3/1 with Lucky Fish
Note, odds are subject to change
