Sebelebele rescues Pirates, Stellenbosch stun Sekhukhune in MTN8 last four

The first legs of the MTN8 semi-finals delivered high-stakes knockout football this past weekend, setting the stage for thrilling decisive return legs.

Defending MTN8 champions, Orlando Pirates, played to a hard-fought 1-all draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, August 16, 2025. 

Sundowns took the lead in the first half when midfielder Teboho Mokoena headed home from close range in the 36th minute, connecting with a Marcelo Allende corner kick.

The Buccaneers, who had made five changes to their starting XI after two consecutive league losses, started well and created scoring chances but failed to capitalise on early opportunities. Bucs can laud keeper Sipho Chaine’s heroics as he made crucial saves to deny Sundowns a second goal. 

The match saw Sundowns captain Themba Zwane stretchered off early, replaced by Jayden Adams. Pirates continued to press, with speedy winger Kamogelo Sebelebele, who joined the club less than a month ago, at the centre of much of their attacking play, though he missed several chances earlier in the game due to offsides and missed efforts. 

However, Sebelebele ultimately rescued a well-deserved equaliser for Pirates in the 87th minute, beating Ronwen Williams from close range to level the score.

Stellenbosch Gains Crucial Advantage Over Sekhukhune United 

Meanwhile, in the other semi-final first leg on Saturday, Stellenbosch FC secured a significant 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Danie Craven Stadium. 

First-half goals put Steve Barker's side firmly in the driver's seat going into the second leg. Kazie Enyinnaya broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a header from an inswinging corner, marking his first goal for the club. 

Their lead was doubled just 10 minutes later, in the 33rd minute, when Devin Titus latched onto an exquisite pass from substitute Lesiba Nku and tucked his shot beyond Sekhukhune's goalkeeper. 

Nku, who came on early for the injured Ashley Cupido, had an outstanding game, providing two assists and even hitting the crossbar in the second half. 

The second half was a more cautious affair, with neither goalkeeper needing to make a save, ensuring Stellenbosch carried a crucial two-goal advantage into the second leg.

Second Leg Fixtures Confirmed 

Fans can anticipate another round of high-stakes knockout football as the decisive return legs are scheduled for next weekend, Saturday, August 23, 2025.

• Mamelodi Sundowns will host Orlando Pirates at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, kicking off at 3pm.
• Later that evening, Sekhukhune United will take on Stellenbosch FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with a 6pm kick-off time.