MTN8 semi-final heroes compete for place in Soccer Laduma Team of the Week

The opening legs of the MTN8 semi-finals produced two away wins, with Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows gaining the advantage ahead of their respective second-leg matches. Supporters can now select their own starting XI of the week before comparing it with the official Soccer Laduma team.

Only two matches were played over the weekend, with defending champions Orlando Pirates beginning the semi-final stage with a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The fixture marked the first meeting between Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi and his former club since he left the Buccaneers to join Babina Noko before the start of the new season. Orlando Pirates supporters were also given their first opportunity to see new striker Sebastian Pedersen in action, although he did not spend enough time on the pitch to make a significant impact.

Sekhukhune head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was without several important players because of injury and had to make a number of changes to his starting line-up. However, it was Orlando Pirates who secured the result when Deon Hotto scored the only goal of the game.

The win puts the Soweto club in a strong position before the return fixture at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. Before then, the two teams will meet again in a league match on Tuesday night.

Golden Arrows also claimed a narrow away victory in the other semi-final first leg, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Abafana Bes’thende arrived in Pretoria having recorded four clean sheets in their opening three league matches, as well as a 1-0 away victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 quarter-finals. Their defensive record remained intact against Sundowns, while Serge Dion’s goal proved decisive.

The result gave Pitso Dladla’s side another notable away win and extended their run of clean sheets. The semi-final will resume on Sunday, when the Lamontville-based club hosts Miguel Cardoso’s Mamelodi Sundowns team.

Both Sundowns and Sekhukhune United must now overturn first-leg deficits if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the MTN8 final alive. The two losing sides will need victories in the return fixtures to reverse the momentum established by their opponents.

Orlando Pirates are seeking a fifth successive MTN8 title after winning the competition a record four times in a row. Their latest victory over Sekhukhune United has strengthened their bid to extend that remarkable run, although the congested schedule means they face the same opposition twice before the second leg.

Following the weekend’s semi-final action, supporters can now have a go at choosing their own MTN8 Team of the Week. The challenge is to select the strongest starting XI from the players involved and then see how closely the fan choice matches the official Soccer Laduma selection.