Defending MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates begin the defence of their crown. Kaizer Chiefs make their long-awaited return to the prestigious Wafa Wafa competition after missing out last season.
Possbile championship for the Buccaneers could see Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side become the first club to win for five consecutive seasons.
ORLANDO PIRATES EYE TITLE DEFENCE
The quarter-finals will be played on Saturday, 8 August, and Sunday, 9 August. Four blockbuster clashes will determine the semi-finalists.
However, in a surprising state, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has yet to announce the official kick-off times and confirmed venues, leaving supporters waiting for final details just days before the tournament begins.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates headline Saturday’s action with a quarter-final clash against Durban City, as the Buccaneers look to take the first step towards retaining the MTN8 trophy.
Having opened their Betway Premiership campaign with a convincing victory, The Sea Robbers will be eager to carry that momentum into the first knockout competition of the season.
Orlando Pirates lifted last season’s MTN8 title after producing a sensational extra-time performance against Stellenbosch in the final. After a tense 90 minutes ended goalless, Tshepang Moremi broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute before Tshegofatso Mabasa doubled the advantage. Moremi then completed his brace in the 110th minute to seal a dominant 3-0 victory and hand the Buccaneers yet another Wafa Wafa crown.
Saturday’s other quarter-final sees Mamelodi Sundowns face Polokwane City in what promises to be another fascinating encounter. The Brazilians boast one of the strongest squads in the country, but Rise and Shine have consistently shown they can frustrate the league’s biggest teams with their disciplined and organised approach.
KAIZER CHIEFS RETURN TO WAFA WAFA
Sunday’s action begins with one of the standout fixtures of the quarter-finals as Kaizer Chiefs make their long-awaited return to the MTN8 after missing out on last season’s competition.
Amakhosi will face Lamontville Golden Arrows in a fixture expected to produce plenty of attacking football, with both clubs determined to book their place in the semi-finals. After making an impressive start to the Betway Premiership season under Fernando da Cruz, Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to build even more momentum by progressing in the Wafa Wafa.
The final quarter-final of the weekend sees AmaZulu take on Sekhukhune United in another evenly balanced contest. Both sides opened their Betway Premiership campaigns with victories and will be confident of extending their strong start by securing a place in the last four.