Khanye and Tso back Orlando Pirates in MTN8 semi-final predictions

Orlando Pirates are expected to reach the MTN8 final after Junior Khanye and Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi both predicted victory for the defending champions against Sekhukhune United in the second leg of their semi-final.

Pirates take a 1-0 advantage into the return fixture after winning the first leg at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium a week ago. They also beat Babina Noko in a league match in Orlando during the week, giving them two victories over the same opponents in quick succession.

Khanye believes the recent results exposed weaknesses in Sekhukhune’s approach and expects Pirates to complete the job without making major changes to their game plan.

“Yes Pirates haven’t found their rhythm yet because of the new midfielders but they have signed quality players and you have seen [Boitumelo] Radiopane raising his hand as well,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.

“I see him starting again today. Sekhukhune have some quality players but I don’t know who they can rely on and I don’t think the coach knows his players as well. He didn’t change anything on Tuesday from the first leg, same approach, same players. Even when they concede he doesn’t react.

“I don’t think we’ll see anything different from the first leg. So Pirates will wrap up the game and their fans expect that from them. Pirates will win 1-0 and I don’t see Sekhukhune troubling them.”

Vilakazi also favours Pirates, although he believes Sekhukhune will be under significant pressure after losing twice to the same side in one week. He has predicted a 2-0 win for the home team.

“It’s not going to be an easy game because remember that coach [Cedric] Kaze needs to fix what happened in the first leg and what happened on Tuesday,” said Tso.

“He’s got a serious assignment to say how come Pirates beat him home and away twice he has to find a way to beat them and it’s difficult to beat Pirates at the Arena. I loved seeing Radiopane coming into the game and scoring so I will give this game to Pirates, 2-0.”

Sundowns seek comeback against Arrows

In the other semi-final, Mamelodi Sundowns will attempt to overturn the first-leg result against Golden Arrows in Durban on Sunday. Victory would take Sundowns into the MTN8 final for the first time since 2021.

Khanye expects Sundowns to attack from the start and has backed them to win the second leg 3-1. He believes head coach Miguel Cardoso selected his strongest side in midweek after being advised to stop experimenting with his team.

“I think someone spoke to Miguel Cardoso and told him to stop experimenting and stick to his best team,” added the former Kaizer Chiefs winger.

“That’s what he did midweek and I think Golden Arrows will have a tough time. Pitso [Dladla] will want to frustrate Sundowns, keep shape and play on transition but I don’t think Arrows will be able absorb the pressure from Sundowns.

“Sundowns will win this one 3-1, [Brayan] Leon and Tebza [Teboho Mokoena] will hustle for goals not sure who will get their third goal.”

Vilakazi has a different view of the contest and believes Golden Arrows can hold their defensive shape before punishing Sundowns on the counter-attack. He has predicted a 2-1 result in Arrows’ favour, which would send them through to the final.

“This will also be a tough one because last season they beat Sundowns under Manqoba [Mngqithi],” said Tso.

“It also reminds me of the days of Bay United always beating Mamelodi Sundowns. I’m sure coach Pitso Dladla will defend like he did against Orlando Pirates last season where he frustrated them.”

“I think he’s going to do that but Sundowns need to be careful with transition play. But Arrows will go to the final the score is going to be 2-1.”

The full second-leg predictions from Khanye and Vilakazi are available on the official iDiski TV YouTube channel.