Favourites to Win MTN8 As Pirates and Sundowns Battle Each Other in Semis
- Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates would battle for a place in the final of the MTN8 after both Betway Premiership giants were drawn against each other
- The Soweto giants knocked out Polokwane City in the quarterfinals while the Brazilians demolished Richards Bay in their own Round of eight fixture
- A renowned sports journalist has shared his thoughts on who he thinks is favourite to win the competition amongst the two top PSL clubs
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been drawn against each other in the MTN8 semi-final after both clubs defeated their counterparts in the quarter-final.
The Brazilians thrashed Richards Bay while Orlando Pirates proved to be too good for Polokwane City in the quarter-final.
The Sea Robbers are gunning for a record of four titles in a row, while the Brazilians are planning on ending their reign as successive champions this season.
Source: Getty Images
Pirates news signing Oswin Appollis has already shown the fans what he could offer, and he would be one of the players to watch out for in the semi-final.
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Sundowns vs Pirates: Favourites to win MTN8
Sport journalist Moses Mbogo, in an exclusive interview with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on the favourites to win the MTN8 after Pirates and Sundowns are drawn against each other in the semi-final.
While wanting both teams not to face each other, he went on to pick his favourite team to win the competition this campaign.
"I was expecting both clubs to be drawn against other teams, but the two giants are now being drawn together in the semis," he said.
"I think it's the final before the main final, and the winner among the two would obviously be the clear favourites to win the competition.
"I feel this is Sundowns' year, after Pirates' dominance in the competition in recent years."
Mbogo also gave further explanation on the reason he picked Sundowns as his favourite to win the competition.
Source: Getty Images
“My decision to stick with Sundowns winning the competition this season is that they now have a different coach who takes every competition seriously and comes with a new philosophy different from his predecessors,” he added.
“Pirates also have a new manager, but he would be under pressure to replicate what Jose Riveiro did in the competition for the past three seasons, and that might take a toll on him.
“It’s been an amazing year for Sundowns under Miguel Cardoso, and I see him getting the better of Abdeslam Ouaddou when they lock horns in the semis.”
The renowned journalist further listed players to look out for in the mouthwatering semi-final tie.
“We’ve already seen Pirates parade their new players against Polokwane City; Appollis would be one of the players that would be in the spotlight if he makes it time to return from injury, after his showing against his former club.
“Relebohile Mofokeng is another player who is arguably the best youngster in the Premier Soccer League and has caused problems for Sundowns in their recent encounter.
“If Ribeiro missed this game, then the main focus would be on Iqraam Rayners and Thembi Zwane.”
Pirates coach reacts to Appollis’ MOTM performance
Briefly News also reported that Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou commented on Appollis performance against Polokwane City.
The South African international was named the best player of the match after being involved in both goals that gave the Bucs the win.
Source: Briefly News
