MTN8: Eight players who could shape the quarter-final race for glory

The MTN8 returns on the weekend of 8 August, with a R10m prize, silverware at stake and eight teams looking to establish momentum for the season ahead. Orlando Pirates begin their bid for a record-extending fifth successive title with Oswin Appollis among the players expected to have the biggest influence on the competition.

Orlando Pirates – Oswin Appollis

Appollis is expected to be one of Pirates’ leading players this season and will be central to their attempt to retain the trophy.

The attacker has repeatedly shown an ability to perform in important matches. He is a threat in front of goal, capable of beating defenders and raising his level when his team needs him most. If Pirates successfully defend the MTN8, they will win the competition for a fifth consecutive time.

Mamelodi Sundowns – Brayan Leon

Mamelodi Sundowns endured an unusually disappointing domestic campaign last season, missing out on the Betway Premiership title after Orlando Pirates ended their eight-year grip on the championship.

Sundowns will want to reassert themselves on home soil, starting with the MTN8. Their hopes of doing so will depend heavily on Brayan Leon. The Colombian striker possesses a natural instinct for scoring and can finish from a variety of positions and angles.

Kaizer Chiefs – Brandon Petersen

Kaizer Chiefs enter the tournament under new coach Fernando da Cruz, with the Frenchman tasked with helping the club return to its former glory and compete for trophies such as the MTN8, a competition Chiefs have won a record 15 times.

Knockout football places a premium on defensive organisation and clean sheets. Petersen, the club captain and first-choice goalkeeper, will be expected to set the standard. His performances last season earned him a nomination for the Goalkeeper of the Season award.

AmaZulu FC – Athini Maqokolo

AmaZulu FC finished fourth in the league last season, an impressive result that has raised expectations around the club. Coach Arthur Zwane has said the target now is to improve on that position and win a trophy.

Maqokolo was AmaZulu’s standout player last season during his debut campaign. He will need to maintain that form, while building on the platform he established, if he is to remain the focal point of the team’s attack.

Sekhukhune United – Brighton Ndlovu

New coach Cedric Kaze has brought renewed expectations to Sekhukhune United. The Burundi-born manager knows the club must improve on last season’s fifth-place finish while also competing for silverware.

Kaze has already guided the side to victory in the Mafori pre-season tournament and appears prepared for the challenge. He will nevertheless need goals from Brighton Ndlovu, who is already in good form after scoring the winner against Durban City.

Golden Arrows – Ayabulela Maxwele

Pitso Dladla’s appointment at Golden Arrows has attracted scrutiny, with some questioning whether he can build on the work of Manqoba Mngqithi and others viewing the change as a downgrade. Dladla will draw confidence from having won the Nedbank Cup with Durban City and will believe another trophy is possible.

The new coach will need his squad fully behind him. Following Siyanda Ndlovu’s departure last season, Ayabulela Maxwele must take on greater responsibility. The midfielder will be expected to provide creativity and energy while helping Golden Arrows find cohesion.

Polokwane City – Thabang Matuludi

Phuti Mohafe’s departure is likely to lead to significant restructuring at Polokwane City, although the club cannot allow the changes to undermine its progress. New coach Bayano Moloto will be given the opportunity to introduce his own philosophy.

As one of the senior players, Thabang Matuludi must assume a leadership role. His responsibilities will include maintaining his standards at right-back and providing the defensive stability required for the team to develop.

Durban City – Gaston Sirino

Durban City made an impressive return to top-flight football last season by winning the Nedbank Cup. Under new coach Khalil Ben Youssef, they will aim to build on that success by challenging for the MTN8.

Ben Youssef has retained the core of the squad and added familiar faces, including Gaston Sirino. The winger’s experience could prove important as Durban City attempt to claim domestic trophies in successive seasons.

The quarter-final schedule is:

Saturday, 8 August

Orlando Pirates v Durban City FC – Orlando Amstel Arena, 15:00

Mamelodi Sundowns v Polokwane City FC – Lucas Moripe Stadium, 18:00

Sunday, 9 August

AmaZulu FC v Sekhukhune United – Chatsworth Stadium, 15:00

Kaizer Chiefs v Golden Arrows – FNB Stadium, 15:00