The second leg fixtures in the MTN8 semi-final will both be played on Saturday, with Mamelodi Sundowns hosting Orlando Pirates in Pretoria and Sekhukhune United playing Stellenbosch in Polokwane.
The tie between defending MTN8 champions Pirates and reigning Betway Premiership champions Sundowns is deadlocked at 1-1. However, Sundowns essentially have the upper hand from kick-off due to the tournament’s use of the away goals rule.
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The semi-finals are the only round played across two legs and also the only two in which no extra time is utilised in the case of a draw. If away goals cannot separate the sides, ties will go straight to penalties.
Stellenbosch lead Sekhukhune United 2-0 after a convincing win in front of their home fans. Now, they will look to complete the job on away soil.
Both matches will be televised on SuperSport.
Kick-off time: Saturday, August 23; 15:00 CAT, Lucas Moripe Stadium
Orlando Pirates have found some semblance of stability after a difficult start to their transition under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
New winger Kamogelo Sebelebele has been at the centre of Pirates’ resurgence, with a late equaliser in the first leg against Sundowns and then the winner in a 1-0 league victory over Stellenbosch.
However, while one young winger makes a name for himself after signing from TS Galaxy, another faces an uncertain future. Relebohile Mofokeng’s rumoured Major League Soccer (MLS) transfer to Minnesota United did not materialise in the end, as the MLS transfer window shut on Thursday without the supposed deal going through.
Despite being eager to join Minnesota in principle, as per a source at the club, Mofokeng has remained professional and put in a strong shift in the win over Stellies – operating mainly behind the striker rather than out wide.
Mofokeng scored a famous brace against Sundowns in the Premiership last season and if he is available and at his best, he is a player who Masandawana head coach Miguel Cardoso will have to plan carefully for.