looks at five moments that stood out from the MTN8 quarter-final matches that Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC from this past weekend.
Orlando Pirates set the tone for their defence of their MTN8 title this season after hammering SuperSport United 3-1 in their quarter-final on Saturday night.
Many tipped that match to be the thriller of the opening round, but Stellenbosch provided another near-perfect performance, beating TS Galaxy 3-1 at home.
Mihlali Baleka looks at five moments that stood out from the two matches in Soweto and the Winelands.
PIRATES READY TO DEFEND
Pirates were the best team in the Wafa Wafa cup in the last two seasons, winning the trophy back-to-back. As a result, they are regarded as the team to beat this season.
Coach Jose Riveiro and his men have taken the responsibility seriously as they held their nerves to get past a plucky SuperSport side and reach the semi-final. SuperSport proved worthy opponents for Pirates as they started the game on a high, and were unfortunate not to be awarded two penalties in regulation and extra time.
STELLIES STILL ON THE RISE
Stellies had a fantastic campaign last season. They finished third in the league and won the inaugural Carling KO.
After those exploits, many were keen to see how they would fare this season. But Steve Barker’s men have responded the best way they know how – winning. They came from behind to beat TS Galaxy on Sunday, a victory that has seen them reach their second successive MTN8 semi-final – their fifth in a row, overall.
SALENG HAS THE BMT
Monnapule Saleng has played a starring role in Pirates’ big matches, producing performances that demonstrate his ‘big match temperament’. That was again on display on Saturday night.
Saleng was instrumental in his team’s three goals, scoring one goal and providing two assists as he walked away with the Man-of-the-Match award. Riveiro was also pleased with the contribution of Saleng, saying that he’s showing signs of returning to his best this season after blowing hot and cold last term.
RAMOVIC SPEAKS HIS MIND
Galaxy’s coach Sead Ramovic hasn’t been one to shy away from speaking his mind. And he was at it again during his team’s loss to Stellenbosch.
The German was appalled by the muddy pitch at the Danie Craven Stadium that he said it would even break a cow’s leg.
Ramovic has spoken his mind in the past, notably during his brawl with former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and more recently, when his move to Raja Casablanca fell through.
THE BALL IS IN DOWNS’ COURT
Having watched their bridesmaids in the league title race, Pirates and Stellenbosch, reach the next round of the competition, Sundowns will want to show the duo who’s boss in the MTN8 yet again.
However, they’ll know that that’s easier said than done.
They’ll face Polokwane City, who were one of the surprise packages last season, in the quarter-final in Atteridgeville on Sunday.
This game is set to present a true test of character for the three new wise men ‒ head coach Manqoba Mnqgithi, senior coach Steve Komphela and assistant Romain Folz ‒ after the Mokwena era.
