Mark Fish: MTN8 triumph will likely save other people’s jobs

Legendary defender Mark Fish has highlighted the importance of winning the MTN8 title for coaches who are under pressure to deliver the goods.

It is no secret that Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane and AmaZulu’s Brandon Truter are feeling the heat as their respective clubs demand positive results and some silverware this campaign.

Amakhosi are on a rebuilding phase, but Zwane has been heavily criticised as the Soweto giants have had a poor start to the season, languishing in the bottom half of the DStv Premiership table after eight games.

Meanwhile, Usuthu started the season like a house on fire but are without a win in their last four league games.

WHO WILL BOOK A PLACE IN THE MTN8 FINAL?

With both management of Chiefs and Usuthu making it clear that Zwane and Truter have to win a trophy, the MTN8 semifinal clash between the two sides will produce fireworks.

Amakhosi tackle AmaZulu FC at FNB Stadium on Sunday, with the return leg set for the weekend of 22nd October.

In the other semi-final, Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium in the first leg of the mouth-watering clash.

Fish, who is a Bafana Bafana and Pirates legend, has, in not so many words, backed his former club to win.

“It’s a Pirates team on the high at the moment, they might be struggling to score goals, but they are winning matches, you know, which is very important,” Fish told FARPost.

“We know what has been happening for the last six to seven seasons for them.

“You have a Sundowns team that has been doing well for some time, every season, you have questions like, who is going to beat them?

“I think it will be tough two legs, most will say Sundowns will win, but this is football, you never know, because Pirates are playing with confidence lately.

“Same with the other match, Chiefs against AmaZulu. Usuthu are high in confidence, while Amakhosi got to this round on penalties, which is questionable in terms of performance.”

Fish added: “Chiefs are also going through changes, and this is an opportunity for them to get an early trophy to boost the confidence of both coaches.”

“All in all, MTN8 gives opportunities to all four teams to get something early in the season, a trophy that will probably save other people’s jobs.”