MTN 8 semi-finals: Five talking points ahead of MTN8 semi-finals first leg fixtures

We take a look at five key talking points ahead of the weekend's cup action.

Home ground advantage

Orlando Pirates will be looking to avoid losing their second consecutive home fixture of the 2025/26 season in front of another sold out crowd. The Buccaneers are unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches in the MTN8, and expectations are high for Saturday's encounter. 

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch will be playing their first match at their main home ground the Danie Craven Stadium after having to use alternative venues in Cape Town for their recent fixtures against AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs.

Mamelodi Sundowns cup "hoodoo" against Orlando Pirates

Masandawana have failed to beat AmaBhakaniya in the last four cup clashes between them and last won the MTN8 in the 2021/22 season.

However, this will be the first time Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso faces Pirates in a cup clash and he has stated that is not concerned about his team's recent cup history and will back his side to get a positive result in Orlando.

Will recent exits and player unrest affect Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns transfer activity has been under the microscope since young winger Thapelo Maseko's social media statements regarding his ailing career with the Tshwane giants.

 The Chloorkop based side produced a solid performance against AmaZulu following that incident but have since seen Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema leave the club after failure to get game-time in the past two seasons.

Their departures could be seen as a show of confidence in the current group, especially after the team’s performances without them at the 2025 Club World Cup, while also serving as a reminder to those who remain of the standards required to keep a place in the starting XI.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's selection

The Moroccan coach has come under fire from Bucs supporters following back-to-back league defeats, with the former Marumo Gallants mentor making a lot of changes to the team that impressed during the 2024/25 season.

A number of regulars from last season including Thalente Mbatha, Deano van Rooyen and Tshegofatso Mabasa are yet to be named in matchday squads this season, much to the dismay of many Bucs fans, who cite this as one of the reasons for the current slump.

Will they feature on Saturday and make a difference? Only time will tell.

Can Stellenbosch stop in form Sekhukhune United striker Bradley Grobler?

The former SuperSport United goal poacher has announced himself with three goals in his first three matches since joining Babina Noko and will be a constant threat to a leaky Stellenbosch defence that has conceded in all their fixtures this season.

Stellies have conceded six goals in total in three matches since the departure of Ivorian defender Ismael Toure and will need either Henri Stanic or Athenkosi Mcaba to step up against Sekhukhune, with Siviwe Nkwali suspended following his red card against Kaizer Chiefs.

Will Sekhukhune United coach Eric Tinkler end his Stellenbosch "hoodoo"?

Babina Noko head coach Eric Tinkler is winless in his last eight meetings with Stellenbosch, seven of which came while he was in charge of the recently relegated Cape Town City.

Last season, Tinkler’s Sekhukhune side also lost their first meeting with Stellenbosch, edged out by a second-half strike from Thato Khiba. He will now be aiming to end a run of five consecutive personal defeats against Stellies.