MTN8 semifinals round saw AmaZulu reaching their first-ever MTN8 final in the club’s history, as they held 15 times Champions Kaizer Chiefs to a goalless draw to progress on the away goal rule after a 1-1 aggregate.
Orlando Pirates on the other hand, have eliminated the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns after hammering them 3-0 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
This Is Football.Africa takes a look at the five things we learnt and that were talking points from this weekend’s MTN8 action.
1. Monnapule Saleng
The hero of the day, Monnapule Saleng was the main subject even before the start of the game, Sundowns went to the match knowing that he would could cause them big trouble.
The man who dribbled him to the point where he fell over at Orlando Stadium in the first leg, has once again left two well trusted Sundowns defenders in Aubry Modiba and Rushine De Reuck eating grass at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Saleng, who produced a man of the match performance after assisting Erasmus to net the first goal, before scoring a brace himself within 20 minutes to the final whistle, was once again all over social media on the weekend.
2. Romain Folz
When the French football coach Romain Folz was announced as AmaZulu mentor two weeks ago, some football supporters had major doubts whether the Usuthu’s players would react well to Folz’s appointment. He quickly got labelled as too young and too inexperienced.
Fohloza, as AmaZulu bosses named him upon his arrival, conducted his troops to such an extent that they produced a disciplined performance to secure a 0-0 draw at Moses Mabidha Stadium on Sunday.
The 32-year-old tactician was praised for knocking Kaizer Chiefs out of the MTN8. He has now played eight games since he arrived in South Africa, seven draws and one defeat at AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants respectively, and could be well on his way to making the doubters eat their words.
3. Caleb Bimenyimana
Amakhosi were boosted by the shock return of the Burundian international.
Bimenyimana was reportedly injured in the past week, and missed Wednesday’s DStv Premiership match against TS Galaxy, and reports alleged that he will be out for at least a month.
Chiefs supporters thought his inclusion in the line-up would be just the lift the team needed, but the 24-year-old was substituted just 15 minutes into the second half, clearly still struggling with his injury.
The decision to play Caleb clearly backfired, and may come back to haunt them, especially if by starting the game he experiences a set back in terms of recovering from his injury.
4. Mamelodi Sundowns trio of coaches
Mamelodi Sundowns’ defence of the trophy could not see them get past Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals as they were knocked out with a 3-0 aggregate.
As winning has become a norm for the Tshwane giants, supporters were livid, and calls all over the media were complaining about the coaches Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela, and their abilities.
These calls were heeded as today Downs announced a coaching reshuffle, with Mokwena taking over as head coach and Komphela effectively becoming his assistant. Mngqithi is basically a second assistant.
Read here : Manqoba Mngqithi Demoted
5. Kermit Erasmus
As expected, Kermit Erasmus could not wait to prove a point to Mamelodi Sundowns for letting him go.
Erasmus re-joined the Buccaneers on the deadline of the past transfer window, after seemingly not being wanted at his former club.
Erasmus struck an early opener during the game, and went on to celebrate in front of Masandawana supporters. This caused a big response on social media from some of the Masandawana supporters.
