Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet in this year’s MTN8 final, with the latter lifting the trophy.
Tuesday’s semi-final first leg between Cape Town City and Pirates was postponed due to the adverse weather conditions, and is now scheduled for Wednesday 18:00.
Khanye believes it will be a tight affair between Eric Tinkler and Jose Riveiro’s sides, with the winner only decided on penalties after the second leg.
“The game is going to be decided in the second leg. I think it’s going to be 1-1 in the first leg, and also 1-1 in the second leg. But Pirates is going to go through on penalties,” he told iDiski Times.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final first leg will also kick off on Wednesday, 19:00, when Masandawana host Stellies and Khanye believes the home side will have the upper hand, even though he still rates the visitors highly.
“It’s not going to be easy, Stellenbosch is very strong and very quick,” he continued.
“They replaced Rayners with Mojela, another player with speed, Titus is still there, their defence has not changed much.
“They are attacking-minded and I have to give credit to Steve Barker, the technical team and whoever is producing these youngsters.
“But Sundowns is going to win – first leg 2-0 or 3-0, second leg Sundowns win 1-0.”
Lastly, Khanye also shared his thoughts on who lift this year’s MTN8 trophy and walk away with the increased prize money of R10 million.
“Sundowns is going to win this trophy,” he continued.
“I know Sundowns have had difficulties with Pirates but the difference is going to be the mindset, it’s not [based on] football.
“Pirates players when they approach Pirates they become very hard, very physical, they tackle everything. But it’s not down to football, Sundowns have got better players.
“I’m sure Sundowns have the mindset to respond to that [this time]. They’ve played Champions League, they have Bafana Bafana players.
“Pirates in the final, I expect them to be physical, with football they are not going to come nearer. In the Nedbank, they won because of individual brilliance and [the late] Screamer played a big role, but he’s gone now and the coach is himself now.”
