The Premier Soccer League [PSL] has announced the dates, kick-off times and venues for the highly-anticipated MTN8 semi-final clashes.
The first legs of the MTN8 semi-finals, featuring Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC versus Sekhukhune United, are scheduled for Saturday, August 16. But the PSL has yet to release details for the second-leg matches.
Pirates, who are the defending champions, will be at home in the much-anticipated first-leg encounter against Sundowns in Soweto with kick-off set for 15:00.
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, Sekhukhune will travel to the Western Cape to face Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium, with the match starting at 18:00.
FURTHER DETAILS ON MTN8 SEMIS TICKETS TO BE REVEALED BY PSL
“The dates, venues and kick-off times for the MTN8 first-leg semifinals have been confirmed,” said the PSL on Thursday. “Ticket information will be announced in due course.”
The Buccaneers delivered a standout performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City FC in the quarter-final at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. New signing Oswin Appollis scored the opening goal, while Patrick Maswanganyi sealed the win with a penalty.
Their semi-final opponent, Sundowns, emerged as the top-scoring team of the last eight, thumping Richards Bay FC 4-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday. Iqraam Rayners scored a brace, Siyabonga Mabena added another, and an own goal rounded out the scoring. Mabena was returning from a long injury layoff and will be hoping to build on that performance.
Masandawana, who missed their key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Khuliso Mudau, will hope to have them in the semis. The Bucs, on the other hand, were without the likes of Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United came from behind to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. After trailing 2-0 early on, thanks to an early double from TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune fought back with a brace from Bradley Grobler and a goal from Vusi Mncube.
In the Stellenbosch-AmaZulu FC clash, it took a late extra-time winner by Langelihle Phili to decide the game at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. The two teams had been deadlocked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.
RELATED STORY: Cardoso reacts to MTN8 semi-final draw against Pirates