Former Golden Arrows midfielder and MTN8 legend Njabulo Manqana has expressed his delight at the upcoming semi-final fixtures of this year’s competition, with the PSL officially confirming the dates, venues and kick-off times for the highly anticipated clashes.
Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, Manqana welcomed the outcome of the semi-final draw, especially the prospect of a blockbuster showdown between defending champions Orlando Pirates and star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be a titanic two-legged battle.
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“I am very happy about the draw, especially after the two big teams Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were drawn against each other this early in the competition,” said Manqana.
“I am looking forward to the first of the two-legged semi-finals. It won’t be easy for any of the teams in the semi-finals, but these fixtures will be interesting to watch. We will get to experience quality football dished out by these teams, and I couldn’t get more excited.”
The first leg of the Pirates-Sundowns clash will take place at a packed-to-the-rafters Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 16 August, with kick-off set for 15h00.
The Buccaneers saw off Polokwane City in the quarter-finals, while the Brazilians cruised past Richards Bay, setting up a clash worthy of a final.
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, Stellenbosch FC will welcome Sekhukhune United to Danie Craven Stadium on the same day, with that tie scheduled to kick off at 18h00. Both sides booked their semi-final spots in dramatic fashion – Stellies came from behind to knock out AmaZulu, while Babina Noko fought back from two goals down to send TS Galaxy out.
Manqana believes both encounters will deliver high-quality football and plenty of excitement for fans.
“The match between Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United will also be very interesting and it should be an entertaining one,” he added.
“Both teams have quality players, and they play a very good brand of attacking football. You must remember that last season Stellenbosch were in the final and lost to Pirates, and that says a lot about the club’s ambitions. They need this trophy, and I have no doubt about it.
"Also, for Sekhukhune to come back the way they did in their match to win, it says a lot about the quality in the team.”
The MTN8 has long been known for its fast-paced drama, and according to the former midfielder, fans can expect more of the same in this year’s semi-finals – with goals, passion, and purpose all on the cards.
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“We have seen some goals in the previous round of the competition, and I am hoping that there will be plenty more in the semi-finals,” said Manqana.
“What I like about the MTN8 is that for every goal scored during regulation play it will lead to a donation through the MTN8 Goals for Charity initiative, with R20 000 per goal going towards a good cause. I hope for many more goals so that many people from our communities can get to benefit through this wonderful initiative,” concluded Manqana.
The return legs and final dates are yet to be confirmed, but the build-up begins now, and judging by the fixtures, supporters are in for a real treat.
