With only four teams left standing in the MTN8, attention shifts towards two high-stakes clashes.
The break from league action means 12 Betway Premiership clubs will not be in action this weekend. Instead, the focus will fall firmly on Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune United, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns.
ORLANDO PIRATES CHASE MTN8 HISTORY
The Buccaneers hold a slender advantage heading into Saturday’s second leg. The Buccaneers defeated Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the opening encounter and will now host Babina Noko at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Orlando Pirates are chasing another piece of MTN8 history. The defending champions are targeting a fifth consecutive appearance in the final.
However, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou knows his team cannot afford to become complacent. They have already faced Sekhukhune United twice recently, making Saturday’s encounter their third meeting in just over a week.
The Buccaneers also secured another victory over Babina Noko during their recent Betway Premiership clash. That 2-0 result will give Pirates confidence, but Ouaddou has warned his players that the semifinal remains far from over.
Sekhukhune have only one goal to overturn. That means a strong start could completely change the complexion of the tie.
The second semifinal takes place on Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal. Lamontville Golden Arrows will welcome Mamelodi Sundowns after producing one of the biggest results of the competition so far.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS NEED A COMEBACK
Arrows shocked the reigning Betway Premiership champions by securing a 1-0 first-leg victory. They now have 90 minutes standing between themselves and a potential place in the MTN8 final.
Sundowns, however, will arrive with renewed confidence after a statement midweek performance. Masandawana thrashed AmaZulu 5-2 in the league, reminding everyone of their attacking firepower.
For Golden Arrows, the challenge is now to complete the job. A draw would be enough to send them through, while Sundowns know they must score if they are to keep their title hopes alive.
The weekend therefore belongs to the MTN8. The Betway Premiership will wait, with 12 clubs forced to watch from the sidelines as four teams battle for a place in the final.