League action takes a back seat this weekend as the MTN8 takes centre stage, with the two semifinal first legs scheduled for Saturday, August 22.
The spotlight will be firmly fixed on Limpopo’s capital, where defending champions Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.
The Buccaneers enter the semifinal with history on their side. Pirates are the reigning MTN8 champions after making history last year by beating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time in the final at Mbombela Stadium. Tshepang Moremi scored twice, in the 92nd and 110th minutes, while Tshegofatso Mabasa struck in the 103rd minute as the Soweto giants secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive MTN8 crown.
Pirates have once again shown their determination to defend the trophy. They survived a major scare in the quarterfinals, edging Durban City 2-1 after extra time. Patrick Maswanganyi put Pirates ahead from the penalty spot in the 35th minute before Lwamba restored parity for Durban City in the second half. The decisive moment came deep into extra time when Ghampani Lungu found the winner in the 120th minute.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, produced one of the most dramatic quarterfinal performances of the competition when they defeated AmaZulu 4-3 after extra time at Chatsworth Stadium.
AmaZulu took the lead through Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in the 14th minute, but Tshepo Mokoane levelled for Babina Noko before the interval. Givemore Khupe and Ngoanamello Rammala then struck in quick succession early in the second half to put Sekhukhune 3-1 ahead.
AmaZulu fought back through Ngwenya and Taariq Fielies to make it 3-3, but Sekhukhune substitute Vuyo Letlapa eventually delivered the decisive blow in the 98th minute after an assist from Mcedi Vandala.
The aemifinal therefore presents an intriguing battle between a Pirates side chasing a fifth successive MTN8 title and a Sekhukhune outfit determined to go one step further after reaching the last four.
The Buccaneers will also be wary of Babina Noko’s ability to cause problems in knockout football. Sekhukhune’s journey to the semifinals has been built on resilience, with their extra-time victory over AmaZulu following another hard-fought quarterfinal.
Sundowns face dangerous Arrows
Elsewhere, Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome Lamontville Golden Arrows to Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville for the other semifinal first leg.
The Brazilians booked their place in the last four after being pushed all the way by Polokwane City before eventually winning 3-2 after extra time.
Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Antonio Van Wyk doubled the advantage in the 31st minute. City refused to surrender and fought back to force extra time, but Cassius Mailula came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 113th minute and send Sundowns through.
Golden Arrows, however, will arrive in Atteridgeville with plenty of confidence after producing arguably the biggest quarterfinal upset.
Abafana Bes’Thende stunned Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium, with Khulekani Shezi scoring the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute. Shezi’s finish punished Chiefs after the Soweto giants had created several opportunities but failed to convert them.
The result means Arrows have now put themselves within two matches of another MTN8 final, but standing between them and the title decider is a Sundowns team desperate to end its long wait for success in this particular competition.
Sundowns have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in South African football, but the MTN8 trophy has remained elusive in recent years.
The Brazilians will therefore see the semifinal against Arrows as an opportunity to put themselves within touching distance of silverware.
The two-legged nature of the semifinal means neither side can afford to take unnecessary risks in the opening encounter. Sundowns will want to build an advantage at Lucas Moripe Stadium, while Arrows will be hoping to leave Atteridgeville with the tie firmly in their hands ahead of the return leg.
With Pirates and Sekhukhune battling it out in Polokwane and Sundowns facing Arrows in Atteridgeville, Saturday’s MTN8 semifinals promise to provide another compelling chapter in South African football’s opening cup competition of the 2026/27 season.
The winners of the two two-legged semifinals will meet in the MTN8 final, with the ultimate prize being the first major domestic cup trophy of the new campaign.
Quarterfinal results at a glance:
Orlando Pirates 2-1 Durban City — after extra time; Patrick Maswanganyi and Ghampani Lungu scored for Pirates, with Lwamba scoring for Durban City.
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 Polokwane City — after extra time; Teboho Mokoena, Antonio Van Wyk and Cassius Mailula scored for Sundowns.
Sekhukhune United 4-3 AmaZulu — after extra time; Tshepo Mokoane, Givemore Khupe, Ngoanamello Rammala and Vuyo Letlapa scored for Babina Noko.
Golden Arrows 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs — Khulekani Shezi scored the winner.
