Eight Absa Premiership teams will go to battle this coming weekend with a staggering R8 million at stake so we can expect some exciting football in the last four matches.
This tournament will provide further insight as to how the participating teams will line up this season, especially the so-called “big guns” of South African football: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.
Lamontville Golden Arrows demolished Ajax Cape Town in last season’s final when they beat them 6 – 0. It will be interesting to see how this one will pan out. Hopefully it will stay true to the tournament’s slogan “Wafa Wafa”.
Starting on Friday night, Mamelodi Sundowns will have another chance to get their hands on some much-needed silverware when they take on Ajax Cape Town at Athlone Stadium. Despite having a star-studded squad, the Brazilians have failed to make an impact when it comes to winning trophies. Antonio Lopez and his men will view this tournament as an opportunity to change things and repay Patrice Motsepe and the supporters’ patience and faith in the team. But playing Ajax Cape Town at home will make things a bit harder for Sundowns. The Ajax youngsters have made it a habit to reach cup finals and slay a few “giants” along their path, so we must expect a hard-fought battle on Friday night.
Moroka Swallows have revamped their squad for the new season. Last season, coach Rainer Zobel didn’t have enough time to prepare the team but this time he will have no excuses. Their match against SuperSport United will give us a glimpse of what we can expect from the Dube Birds this season and a good run in the MTN 8 will go a long way in helping them win their supporters back. SuperSport United have also been unlucky when it comes to cup competitions, winning the MTN 8 will be a welcome addition to the team’s trophy cabinet alongside the league titles.
Kaizer Chiefs will have to be at the top of their game if they are serious about winning this one. Bloemfontein Celtic are a tough side and they won’t need much motivation to try and beat Amakhosi — playing Chiefs is enough motivation in itself. Having signed some experienced attacking players including Bennett Chenene and Nathan Paulse, Siwelele will have some much-needed sting in their attacking play, Chiefs will have to be on high alert. Having said that, Chiefs are also on a high after some exciting displays in the Telkom Charity Cup. Their talented breed of youngsters as well as the experience of the likes of Simphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Itumeleng Khune and new recruit Sthembiso Ngcobo might prove too hot to handle for Celtic.
Ruud Krol is a man under pressure at Orlando Pirates, the team has been blowing hot and cold under his guidance and the trophy drought is worrying. The Bucs supporters are not the most patient bunch I know, so the good results need to come sooner rather than later and I’m sure Krol is aware of that. Losing to Santos on Sunday is not an option for Orlando Pirates. But they will be under some intense pressure from an energetic Santos side that finished last season on an impressive fourth position. Santos is a team that promises a lot of good things to come, they have a well-balanced team with a lot of talented youngsters as well as some experienced campaigners. If they can overcome stage fright at Orlando Stadium, they might just inflict some more pain in an already fragile Pirates side. Pirates will rely on some of their new signings to bring the glory days back. Players like Daine Klate and Mark Mayambela can be dangerous on their day and they will relish the opportunity to start their careers at Pirates with some gold medals.
Look forward to an exciting weekend of local football. There will be some broken hearts and wild celebrations, all in the name of the beautiful game. Wafa Wafa!
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