15 August 2019, by: Leonard Solms
MTN8 PREDICTIONS – QUARTERFINALS
After a lengthy wait, this weekend sees the MTN8 get underway. Cape Town City and SuperSport United will fancy their chances having contested the last two finals, but they both face immense obstacles in the first round.
The Citizens will play their first ever match at Newlands Rugby Stadium as they host Rise and Shine. Cape Town City chair John Comitis’ faces an ongoing battle with the City of Cape Town over the unavailability of Cape Town Stadium and has been forced into unfamiliar territory.
With Athlone Stadium unavailable due to Ajax Cape Town’s GladAfrica Championship game against Free State Stars, Polokwane City will smell blood. Cape Town City are usually stronger at home than away and could be unsettled by the change of venue.
However, Benni McCarthy’s defending champions have a superb record in this tournament and a brilliant squad. This match is tipped to go to the wire, but the hosts should have the edge.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw, Cape Town City Win on Penalties
Orlando Pirates are coming off the back of disappointment having gone down 3-0 away to nemesis SuperSport United on Wednesday. Milutin Sredojević’s men will be looking to make a statement when they host Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium.
The Sea Robbers recruited well during the off-season and it is now simply a matter of incorporating new faces into an already impressive team. However, the Lions of the North made some smart signings too, most notably Rodney Ramagalela.
Highlands Park are strong on attack and cannot be taken for granted, but Pirates should have enough firepower at the other end to see them through.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates Win 2-1
Mamelodi Sundowns will be delighted to be back home at the Lucas Moripe Stadium after a difficult week on the road. A 2-1 away CAF Champions League preliminary round defeat to AS Otôho d’Oyo was followed by a 1-1 Absa Premiership draw to Chippa United in Port Elizabeth.
Masandawana have faced a minor injury crisis with the likes of Rivaldo Coetzee, Wayne Arendse and Ricardo Nascimento having missed out against Chippa. The Brazilians are, however, at their best with backs against the wall.
Sundowns will need a big performance to see off a team fresh off a 5-0 win over Golden Arrows, but home advantage and strength in depth should prove decisive.
Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns Win 2-1
Gavin Hunt comes up against his old club as Wits host SuperSport United at Bidvest Stadium. Both teams have had setbacks and triumphs this season already and this should be a close fight.
Wits started their Absa Premiership season with a resounding 3-0 win over AmaZulu before crashing to a 1-0 home defeat to Baroka. They recovered on the road, beating Polokwane City 1-0.
Meanwhile, Kaitano Tembo’s men responded to a 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on the opening day of the season by resoundingly beating Orlando Pirates 3-0 in midweek.
If that didn’t show us not to write SuperSport United off, nothing will. However, Wits will be hungry for glory and are tipped to edge out Matsatsantsa on home soil.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw, Bidvest Wits Win on Penalties
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