The last eight served up some interesting perspectives that will shape the new season
The MTN8 semi-final draw is now complete after holders Orlando Pirates were paired with Cape Town City while Mamelodi Sundowns will face Stellenbosch FC.
The four got through the quarter-final with contrasting fortunes with Pirates and Stellenbosch securing 3-1 wins while Sundowns and Cape Town both managed 1-0 victories.
Having witnessed the opening two weekends of the new season, there is plenty to point out from the teams that were involved.
Saleng reborn?
Monnapule Saleng failed to hit the heights of 2022-23 last season but he could be back to his brilliant best in 2024-25 based on his display against SuperSport United as Pirates secured a 3-1 victory.
Saleng had a hand in all three goals for Pirates which won him the man of the match accolade.
The winger squared for Olisah Ndah to break the deadlock, finished off Kabelo Dlamini’s pass, before his great run on goal disoriented the SuperSport goalkeeper, leading to his team’s third goal, scored by Evidence Makgopa.
Sundowns look shaky
While Pirates took their chances against SuperSport, Sundowns were the opposite against Polokwane, wasting several opportunities before they sneaked into the semis thanks to an own goal.
With Rulani Mokwena gone and Manqoba Mngqithi now in charge, Sundowns still hogged possession but struggled to find a way past their opponent’s defence.
The PSL champions were also vulnerable to counterattacking situations with one leading to the sending off of goalkeeper Dennis Onyango who handled the ball out of the box in a bid to stop an attack.
A lot of improvement is needed if they are to retain their PSL title and most importantly, challenge in the tricky cup games, including the CAF Champions League.
Stellenbosch the team to watch
Steve Barker’s team are not getting lots of mentions but they are the dark horses in the competition after their comprehensive defeat of TS Galaxy in the last eight.
The Stellies were good value for their money when Jayden Adams, Andre de Jong and Fawaaz Basadien scored for their win with some eye-catching performances from midfielder Devin Titus who created the first goal and had a hand in the second.
Left-back Basadien also made notable contributions with his crosses proving difficult for the TS Galaxy defence and Sundowns have their work cut out in the semi-final.
Cape Town City’s signings settling in well
Cape Town City have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer window and wasted no time to introduce some of the new recruits.
Haashim Domingo, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Fortune Makaringe were among those who were handed an opportunity in the first XI and did well against the lethargic Sekhukhune United.
The Citizens started quickly with Makaringe getting a good opportunity to open his account but missed closely. Erik Tinkler’s men showed great quality before Darwin Gonzalez scored the lone goal via the penalty spot.
Coaching problem for Sekhukhune
Babina Noko parted ways with German coach Peter Hyballa just hours after their MTN8 quarter-final loss to Cape Town City, the tactician leaving one month after joining the club.
Hyballa had signed a three-year deal to replace Lehlohonolo Seema, who was sacked at the end of last season, but left even before taking charge of his first game.
There have been different reasons over the tactician’s departure but the club find themselves in a position where they might be forced to recall Seema with assistant coach McDonald Makhubedu currently in charge on an interim basis.
Themba Zwane now a bench warmer?
Sundonwns captain Themba Zwane signed a new one-year contract on Friday but was not rewarded with a start on Sunday as he had to come off the bench.
It is perhaps an early signal that the Brazilians are starting to prepare for life without ‘Mshishi.’
The midfielder has been a creative force at Sundowns for a number of years and was expected to start against Polokwane but it is Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro Costa who was handed a starting place in the No.10 role.
It seems the 35-year-old will have to get used to playing less this season as the transition begins at Chloorkop.
VAR needed in cup games
There was a lot of controversy in the match between Pirates and SuperSport which perhaps explains why VAR is badly needed in cup games.
The first incident was a handball in the Pirates box which should have resulted in a penalty for Gavi Hunt’s men but was not given and the second was when Saleng rushed forward to receive a pass that led to his team’s third goal.
The on rushing Pirates winger seemed to be in an offside position when he got on the end of the pass and the SuperSport keeper came out to clear only for the ball to fall to Evidence Makgopa who slotted in the third goal.
It left Hunt furious and the tactician was sent off for protesting what he felt was a wrong decision.
Manqoba ripping Rulani’s blueprint?
Manqoba Mngqithi had already said that his Sundowns team will be different from Rulani Mokwena’s and he lived up to the promise.
He started with a back three as Khuliso Mudau and Terrence Mashego played as wingbacks with an aim of using their speed to add an extra threat in attack.
Mokwena encouraged his full-backs to tuck in and play as inverted full-backs, creating an overland in the process, but Mngqithi has an emphasis on wing play and speed which he feels will make them a threat in domestic and continental competitions.
It will be interesting to see how Sundowns cope with the challenges thrown at them but Sunday’s display suggested they might need various strategies to unlock teams that play with a low block.
