Could Orlando Pirates make it an unprecedented five MTN8 titles in a row?
The Buccaneers are 90 minutes away from a fifth consecutive final. Meanwhile, one of their fiercest rivals faces elimination.
This is what’s at stake ahead of the second legs of the MTN8 semi-finals this weekend.
MTN8 semi-finals preview: All to play for in second leg
The Premier Soccer League website has confirmed the second legs of the MTN8 semi-finals will take place on Saturday, 29 August and Sunday, 30 August.
Orlando Pirates hold advantage over Sekhukhune United
Defending champions Orlando Pirates have given themselves a strong chance of making history in the MTN8.
Dean Hotto’s stunner sealed a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the first leg on 22 August in Polokwane.
Orlando Pirates now hold the edge on aggregate heading into the second leg of their semi-final in Soweto on 29 August.
The defending champions only need to avoid a loss in front of their home crowd to reach a fifth consecutive final.
Orlando Pirates could also become the first team in tournament history to win five MTN8 trophies in a row.
The Buccaneers’ streak stretches back to 2022, when a first-half goal by Monnapule Saleng sealed a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu.
Orlando Pirates then went on to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023 and Stellenbosch FC in 2024 and 2025.
Mamelodi Sundowns trail heading into second-leg clash
By contrast, Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of elimination heading into the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final.
Sede Junior Dion gave Golden Arrows the advantage on aggregate with his first-half goal in the first leg in Atteridgeville on 23 August.
This is unfamiliar territory for Masandawana.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who are already under pressure after several high-profile departures, now need to overturn the deficit in Durban.
Meanwhile, Golden Arrows will fancy their chances of reaching the final, having won the MTN8 just once before in 2009.
Overview of the MTN8 semis picture
Orlando Pirates lead 1-0 on aggregate over Sekhukhune United; a win or a draw for the Bucs will see them reach the final for the fifth straight year.
Golden Arrows lead Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 on aggregate; with the Tshwane giants needing a two-goal win to seal a comeback and book their final spot.
Both matches kick off at 15:00.
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