Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 MTN8
Quarter-finals
10-11 August 2024
Two places are still up for grabs in the
MTN8 semi-finals as Sekhukhune United, Cape Town City, Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City look to join Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch in the next round.
Sekhukhune United will be hoping to fare better than last season when they take on Cape Town City in the third quarter-final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, August 10.
Babina Noko fell at the first hurdle 12 months ago on their debut in the competition after crashing to a heavy 5-0 defeat against eventual champions Orlando Pirates.
The Citizens have appeared in every edition of the MTN8 since their formation in 2016 and went on to win the title in 2018. They also reached the final in 2017 and 2021, losing to SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
City exited the competition in the last eight a year ago following a 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, but Eric Tinkler believes his team could have another deep run in 2024 after assembling what he feels is the best squad yet.
"I know we put together a great squad back in 2016 but I think, all in all, the depth that we have currently in the squad is probably the best squad we've [ever] had at the club, which bodes well that you're going to have good players," Tinkler said.
"[Even so], it doesn't mean you have a good team, so that's what I say, come Saturday we'll know whether we have a good team. We know we have a lot of experience, mixed with youth, which I think is extremely important ... young players have benefitted immensely with those players have come in."
Mamelodi Sundowns will begin the post Rulani Mokwena era against Polokwane City in the fourth quarter-final at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday, August 11.
Mokwena won the MTN8 as a co-coach with the Brazilians in 2021 - the last of their four titles - but lost to Pirates in each of the last two seasons.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi expects Rise And Shine to make life difficult for his team in Pretoria as Phuti Mohafe has done a fine job since taking over the reins from Lehlohonolo Seema in December 2023.
"Coming to our game against Polokwane City, I think it's going to be a tough one. It is a big deal for teams like Polokwane City to be in the Top 8," Mngqithi said.
"That says a lot about our league now. It says there is a lot of competition. A team that had just come from the NFD (Motsepe Foundation Championship) is now in the PSL and had a very good first round of the season.
"I also believe that their coach [Phuti Mohafe] is an excellent young coach. We have played against him several times, so I know what he can do. It's going to be interesting because this is a competition that has always been difficult for us."
Polokwane are making their third appearance in the competition; in 2017 they failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals, but the Limpopo outfit reached the semi-finals in 2019 before losing to Highlands Park on penalties.
MTN8 quarter-final fixtures:
Saturday, August 10
15h00: Sekhukhune United v Cape Town City
Sunday, August 11
15h00: Mamelodi Sundowns v Polokwane City
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