Orlando Pirates avoid Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final draw

The Premier Soccer League has confirmed the MTN8 semi-final fixtures, with defending champions Orlando Pirates set to face Sekhukhune United while Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Golden Arrows.

The draw means Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, two of the leading sides still competing for the trophy, have been kept apart at the semi-final stage. Orlando Pirates remain on course to claim a fifth successive MTN8 title after securing their place in the last four with a victory over Durban City.

Their quarter-final required extra-time on Saturday before the defending champions overcame Durban City. The result preserved Orlando Pirates’ bid to extend their run of success in the competition and set up a semi-final meeting with Sekhukhune United.

Sundowns also needed more than 90 minutes to reach the semi-finals. In their first domestic outing of the campaign, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Polokwane City after extra-time on Saturday.

The final place in the semi-final line-up was claimed by Golden Arrows, who beat Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. That result completed the list of four teams remaining in the competition and ensured Golden Arrows would face Mamelodi Sundowns in the next round.

The weekend’s quarter-finals produced a series of closely contested matches, with extra-time required in each of the final three games. After Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns had both progressed following extended matches on Saturday, Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu also went beyond 90 minutes in their meeting on Sunday afternoon.

Sekhukhune United eventually edged a seven-goal contest 4-3 after 120 minutes of action at Chatsworth Stadium. Their win completed the semi-final line-up and earned them a fixture against Orlando Pirates.

The confirmed MTN8 semi-final fixtures are:

– Sekhukhune United v Orlando Pirates – Mamelodi Sundowns v Golden Arrows

With the four quarter-final winners now confirmed, Orlando Pirates will continue their title defence against Sekhukhune United, while Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Golden Arrows in the other tie.