IDiski TV analysts Junior Khanye and Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi have predicted the MTN8 semi-finals, both backing Orlando Pirates against Sekhukhune United in the first match but contrasting thoughts for the second match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
The defending champions carry a 1-0 lead from the first leg played at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium a week ago and also defeated Babina Noko in the league during the week in Orlando. Khanye says the last two games showed the Limpopo side still have work to do and does not foresee them doing anything different in the second leg.
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“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.”
For Tso the visitors are under pressure after back-to-back defeats to the same opponent in one week, but he doesn’t see them winning.
“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.”
‘Junior backs Downs, Tso thinks Arrows can upset Masandawana’
Meanwhile Sundowns will look overturn the first leg result in Durban on Sunday and qualify for the final for the first time since 2021. Khanye predicts they will come out guns blazing and win the second leg 3-1.
“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.”
Tso is expecting a defensive approach from Arrows while predicting they will eliminate his former side 2-1.
“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.”
You can view Junior and Tso’s respective predictions for the MTN8 semi-finals second leg matches on IDiski TV official YouTube channel.