The MTN 8 now takes centre stage, with our preview focusing on the titanic second leg clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba stadium, with the match evenly poised at 1-1. Not only will this game be hotly contested, but it will also provide new Pirates signing, Kermit Erasmus who is currently bang on form, with an opportunity to haunt Sundowns for letting him go. Erasmus has been a revelation in his second spell with Pirates, and expect him to be firing on all cylinders for this encounter.
Getting to the final will be of utmost importance to both teams, as it provides a valid opportunity to lift the first title within the new season.
Fresh off a challenging victory against Marumo Gallants on Wednesday evening, Masandawana will be confident going into the second leg, having given valuable minutes to the likes of Sphelele Mkhulise who has now scored two goals in the last two encounters.
The Buccaneers had a slightly more comfortable victory against Golden Arrows at the Princes Magogo Stadium on Tuesday evening, with Monnapule Saleng coming up with two goals, making him the player to watch in the next leg, should he end up in the starting line up.
Both teams, from a tactical perspective, want to control the ball and dictate the play, which makes this game so intriguing, especially now that Kermit Erasmus has had more game time, after spending a good period of time in the stands at Chloorkop. If his last performance is anything to go by, he definitely will be a handful against his former team, come Saturday.
On the KaboYellow side, the absence and unavailability of their leading goalscorer Peter Shalulile, will be a big blow if he is not available. He has missed their last three games, with co-coach Rulani Mokwena saying that he has a muscle issue, but could not give a proper diagnosis with the severity of his injury not being completely clear.
If we take into consideration their head-to-head record, Mamelodi Sundowns boast a much better picture versus their Soweto rivals. However, with Pirates acquiring the services of the exciting Phillip Ndlondlo, not only has it provided much more competition in the squad, but has also added some much needed depth in quality to the Mayfair-based squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium, 15:30 on Saturday.
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