As the MTN8 kicks off this weekend, former PSL top goal-scorer Rodney Ramagalela has picked his four favourites to reach the semi-finals, while also explaining why every tournament needs Kaizer Chiefs.
The 2026/27 MTN8 quarter-final action gets underway on Saturday, 8 August, when defending champions Orlando Pirates host Durban City FC at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto at 15:00.
Later that evening, Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Polokwane City FC to Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville at 18:00.
On Sunday, 9 August, AmaZulu FC battle it out with Sekhukhune United at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban at 15:00, before Kaizer Chiefs host Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium at 18:00 to wrap up the quarter-final weekend.
RODNEY RAMAGALELA PREDICTS MTN8 SEMI-FINALISTS
Speaking in an interview with FARPost, Ramagalela tipped the league’s heavyweights [Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns] to progress to the semi-finals alongside either AmaZulu or Sekhukhune.
“My hope is to see Kaizer Chiefs there; I want to see Orlando Pirates in the semis, and I want to see Mamelodi Sundowns,” Ramagalela told FARPost.
“Also, I would like one of either AmaZulu or Sekhukhune United to make it, but I would love to see Arthur Zwane [Usuthu coach] go to the semi-finals. I believe he [Zwane] has done well for AmaZulu, and they are playing good football, which I believe will add something to the MTN8 semi-finals.”
WHAT KAIZER CHIEFS’ RETURN MEANS FOR THE MTN8
Amakhosi make their return to the ‘Wafa Wafa’ competition after failing to qualify for the top-eight competition over the last two campaigns. Ramagalela emphasised that the presence of the Glamour Boys will elevate the tournament’s stature and fan engagement.
“It means a lot [to have Chiefs back] because it shows we are going to have a lot of numbers in terms of supporters and the people who will join the competition. The Last Fan Standing, as you know, is the biggest one for the fans,” he added.
“You know, it’s good for South African football to have Chiefs back in the MTN8 because, without them, honestly, I think Chiefs is one of the most supported teams in the country. I can say every competition needs Chiefs. We at MTN are very excited to have Chiefs back, and we hope that they will do well in the tournament.”
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