True to form, the PSL's Top 4 clubs emerge as MTN8 victors
Premier Soccer League
Orlando Pirates' Nkosinathi Sibisi is congratulated by Polokwane players after a composed performance in their 2-0 MTN8 quarter-final victory over Polokwane City. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
The MTN8 quarter-finals offered a revealing glimpse into the state of South African top-flight football, with the big guns flexing their muscle while others floundered.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates underlined their dominance, Stellenbosch FC showed grit, and Sekhukhune United were fired to glory by veteran Bradley Grobler’s brilliance. As some clubs celebrated progress, others were left confronting uncomfortable truths ahead of the new season.
Cardoso tight-lipped amid transfer speculation
The absence of Footballer of the Season Lucas Ribeiro Costa, all-time record scorer Peter Shalulile and dynamic right-back Khuliso Mudau raised eyebrows during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 4-0 win over Richards Bay. However, coach Miguel Cardoso refused to be drawn on the trio’s future.
Known for his candidness, Cardoso instead said, “I will not discuss them, but all dossiers will be dealt with by the club and communicated.”
His silence has only fuelled speculation about looming departures.
Coach of Richards Bay Ronnie Gabriel. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Gabriel bemoans “easy goals” in Richards Bay rout
Richards Bay were outclassed by Sundowns, who cruised into the semi-finals. Coach Ronnie Gabriel acknowledged the gulf in class but lamented the nature of the goals conceded.
“We gave away easy goals,” he said, vowing to tighten defensive structures.
His side struggled to contain a rampant Sundowns unit and must now regroup after a sobering 4-0 defeat.
Oswin Appollis celebrates after scoring against his former club, Polokwane City, on debut for Orlando Pirates in their MTN8 quarter-final clash at Orlando Stadium. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Appollis haunts former club in Pirates' victory
Orlando Pirates’ new acquisition Oswin Appollis came back to torment his former side Polokwane City, scoring in a clinical 2-0 win at Orlando Stadium.
His ex-coach Phuti Mohafe took the blow with humour, quipping: “It showed I taught him well, and the new Pirates coach has sharpened him.”
However, Mohafe’s comment that it was “a game of two halves” didn’t align with the stats — Pirates controlled 69% of possession and were dominant throughout.
New-look Pirates thrill with vibrant display
With 11 new signings integrated into the squad, the Buccaneers delivered a performance full of promise under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Three debutants started the match, while four more made appearances off the bench in the 2-0 win over Polokwane.
Sipho Mbule was particularly electric early on, winning the crowd over with his sharp touches, although his influence waned later. Pirates' seamless blend of new faces and core players bodes well for the season.
Bradley Grobler scored a brace against TS Galaxy for Sekhukhune United. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Ageless Grobler fires Sekhukhune into semis
Bradley Grobler stole the spotlight with a match-winning brace in Sekhukhune United’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over TS Galaxy. At 37, the veteran striker proved he still has the hunger and quality to perform at the highest level.
His goals pulled his new team back from the brink and earned him the Player of the Match’ accolade. Grobler’s Premier Soccer League tally now stands at 117, reinforcing his legacy as one of the league’s most prolific marksmen.