With Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch securing a place in the final, what did we learn?
Orlando Pirates will take on Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final as they seek to defend their title and make it three straight crowns.
Pirates made it to the final after a 3-1 aggregate win over Cape Town City while Stellenbosch pulled off a major upset as they eliminated PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns following a 2-0 victory across two legs.
Following the win, Afrik-Foot looks at eight things learnt from the semi-final.
Pirates still the real deal
Orlando Pirates might have received a setback somewhat following their 1-1 draw in the fist leg but responded in fine fashion with a 2-0 victory against Cape Town City in the second leg.
The Buccaneers have been entertaining this season and look ready to challenge on multiple fronts.
They cast aside SuperSport United 3-1 in the quarter-final before responding well against Cape Town.
In Tshegofatso Mabasa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng, Pirates have an attack that knows where the goal is and should serve them well in the final and the rest of the campaign.
A lot to worry for Sundowns fans
While Pirates supporters are buzzing, Sundowns fans are worried of what the new season will bring after three unconvincing displays where the Brazilians have lost twice and needed an own goal to win the other.
Manqoba Mngqithi’s side have looked out of sorts and were outplayed by Stellenbosch across their two legs which should worry everyone that subscribes to the ‘Yellow Nation.’
Sundowns have lacked rhythm and appear blunt upfront which is cause for worry. Their poor displays are already raising questions whether it was right to part ways with Rulani Mokwena and if Mngqithi has the chops for the job.
Stellenbosch the team to watch
Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch continue to show class and proof that last season’s MTN8 semi-final and third place finish in the PSL were all merited.
The manner in which they outfoxed Sundowns in the semi-final prove they will not be pushovers in the final either and Pirates should prepare for a tough game.
Stellenbosch have become a hard nut to crack, keeping three clean sheets in the MTN8, while winning 1-0 in each of them.
Cape Town City still not there
Cape Town City promised to win a trophy this season after their mass signings but one is already out of their hands.
Despite an inspired second half against Pirates in the first leg, they could not rise to the occasion in the second leg where they were totally outclassed to the extent that coach Eric Tinkler skipped his post-match interview.
The Citizens have brought in 12 players but they still look far from a team that can challenge for silverware.
Mofokeng getting better and better
A goal and assist in the semi-final saw Pirates teen sensation Relebohile Mofokeng enhance his growing reputation.
He scored a beautiful goal in the first leg before setting up Mabasa in the return match and heading into the final, he is among the players who Stellenbosch need to keep an eye on.
Blessed with pace, trickery and an eye for goal, the 19-year-old has been a revelation since his promotion to the senior team and after scoring in last season’s Nedbank Cup final, another one in the MTN8 cannot be ruled out.
Stellies coping well with key departures
Stellenbosch FC have lost captain Deano van Rooyen and striker Iqraam Rayners to Pirates and Sundowns respectively but have done well in their absence.
They still shut the door for Sundowns and put up a better display than the Brazilians, which shows the quality that they have within the squad.
Andre de Jong, Devin Titus and Kaizer Chiefs target Fawaaz Basadien have been some of their standout players so far and heading into the final, Stellenbosch will be confident of getting a positive result.
Sundowns’ blunt attack worrying
Mngqithi should be having sleepless nights looking at how his side is struggling to convert their chances.
Sundowns should have won the first leg given the numerous chances they created but came home empty handed.
In the second leg, they did not create enough but still got good opportunities which they did not utilise.
With Peter Shalulile struggling and new signing Arthur de Oliveira Sales still learning his new surroundings, Mngqithi will be grateful that he can call upon Rayners in their next competitions.
Riveiro building a dynasty
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is slowly becoming a cult hero among Bucs supporters since in two years, he has delivered four trophies and he is no course to making it five if his team can overcome Stellenbosch.
That would make Pirates the first-ever team to claim three straight MTN8 crowns. That feat also makes him the first Pirates coach to reach five finals in the PSL era, a great return for a man whose credentials were questioned when he arrived two years ago.
What’s more, he has managed to unite Pirates fans behind the team and they are back to the stadium in big numbers.
