MTN8 semi-finals deliver drama, draw leaves Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on knife-edge
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
After the weekend's explosive MTN8 semi-final first-leg action between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, there is still no clear pointer as to which team will reach the final, following a 1-all draw.
In the other semi-final first leg, Stellenbosch FC have one foot in the final after a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United on a Winelands cabbage patch that is the Danie Craven Stadium.
On the field of action, the major talking points emerged as the two semi-finals wound their course ahead of the second legs next weekend. Here are five talking points:
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
Themba Zwane is destined for the sidelines again
It was meant to be a triumphant comeback season for 36-year-old Themba Zwane, who has battled injuries for the past 18 months, but he has been laid low once more. The Sundowns talisman left the pitch early in the first leg against bitter rivals Orlando Pirates, raising concerns about the extent of his latest setback. Despite his attempts to continue, the seasoned player quickly realised he could go no further and exited the field accompanied by medical staff. Let's hope the injury won't keep him out for long.
Brain fade and emotions hamstring Sundowns' campaign
In the aftermath of Saturday's 1-all draw, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso criticised the team's inability to maintain composure, noting a decline in 'brainwork' and decision-making. With the second leg on the horizon, Sundowns will be aiming to eradicate the 'brain fade' and ensure emotions don't dictate the outcome.
Pirates' Sebelelele looks like the best buy of the transfer window
Kamogelo Sebelelele, who joined Pirates from TS Galaxy this window, is already standing out. Technically gifted, aggressive and rapid, he is a nightmare for opponents on the right wing. On Saturday, he showed his versatility when coach Abdeslam Ouaddou moved him to defence — yet he still managed to surge forward to score the equaliser in the dying minutes.
Coach Ouaddou predicts Pirates sensation Mbokazi is Euro-bound
After the match, all eyes were on 19-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Ouaddou praised the young captain's composure and defensive prowess, which kept Sundowns' threats, particularly Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales, at bay. Ouaddou went so far as to suggest that if Mbokazi continues this form, a future at a top European club awaits.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
36 minutes ago
- The South African
Tendai Ndoro dead at 40: What Happened to the football star?
The news of the passing of former Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro has left many devastated. The football star was reportedly found dead in his South African apartment at the age of 40, according to Soccer Laduma. His sudden passing follows a battle with illness earlier this year. According to the publication, a source confirmed that he was found dead at his apartment. 'Yes, unfortunately, he was found dead in his apartment here in South Africa. I am still in communication with someone close to his family.' Former Zimbabwe international midfielder Edelbert Dinha was one of the first to arrive at Ndoro's residence after hearing about his passing this afternoon. 'Eish, my brother, it's very sad and I'm not feeling good at all right now. I am actually at the scene as we speak. We are still waiting to hear the full story of what happened, but what I can confirm is that we heard about his passing this afternoon and rushed here to check. Apparently, he had already been gone for about three days,' said Dinha to the publication. He said the former Orlando Pirates star was alone at the time of his passing. 'Some of his uncles and aunts are here as well, having rushed to attend to the situation as soon as they got the news. Peter Ndlovu is also here, which is comforting because it shows that we are all standing together to support one of our own during this painful time. Sadly, Tendai was alone at the time of his passing, but as I said, we are still waiting for the full details of what really happened,' said Dinha. In May 2025, Ndoro had a successful operation to remove a tumour under his armpit. He revealed that his illness was not linked to diabetes, as per various reports. During that time, he posted a video from the hospital, reassuring fans that his condition was not as serious as many had feared. 'Hello guys, I'm okay. I'm in the hospital, undergoing treatment for a tumour that developed under my armpit. It's not diabetes. I'm sick, yes, but it's not that serious,' he said. Following the surgery, Ndoro announced its success and expressed gratitude to God for helping him through the recovery process. 'Congratulations to myself for the successful surgery I had this afternoon. It went well; the tumour in my hand was removed. Glory to the Almighty God for keeping us alive,' he said. WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT TENDAI NDORO? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Mashiloane and Sebelebele
Orlando Pirates defender Tshepho Mashiloane has probably had the worst start among the club's 12 new signings. After starting the first three games of the season against Polokwane City, Sekhukhune United, and Marumo Gallants, the Orlando Pirates defender was dropped for the Mamelodi Sundowns game. The right back's former coach, Dan Malesela, has watched Mashiloane's rocky start in Soweto and has offered the reasons behind the 23-year-old's struggle. 'When you embark on a new journey, people will always question everything you do,' Malesela said…Full story here. Orlando Pirates defender Tshepho Mashiloane against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership. Image: Soccer Laduma Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe has weighed in on what new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele brings to the Buccaneers' attack. The versatile forward joined the Betway Premiership giants this July after switching from TS Galaxy. Last season, Sebelebele made 29 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with five goals and two assists under coach Adnan Beganovic. That form was enough to prompt a call from the mighty Orlando Pirates. 'He is a technically gifted player, you know. But what does he bring? He brings aggression…Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Mbokazi and Sebelebele
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has tipped Mbekezeli Mbokazi for a bright future after his commanding display in the 1-1 MTN8 semi-final first-leg draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at a packed Orlando Stadium. The 19-year-old Bafana Bafana defender stood tall at centre-back against the league's most dangerous attack, even providing the fabulous diagonal pass that set up Kamogelo Sebelebele's equaliser. With Nkosinathi Sibisi injured and Tapelo Xoki on the bench, Mbokazi wore the armband with pride – and didn't look out of place leading the Soweto giants on such a big stage. 'Let me be very honest, and you have to be careful when you compliment someone, they stop working,' Ouaddou told the media…Full story here. Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has declined personal credit after Kamogelo Sebelebele's heroic performance in a makeshift right-back position. Last Saturday, the Thembisa-born star struck an equaliser against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinals at Orlando Stadium. Following Deano Van Rooyen's exit, Sebebelele moved to right-back before his goal cancelled out Teboho Mokoena's opener and kept the tie alive at 1-1. 'In modern football… you have to be able to play at least two positions…Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
