MTN8: Five takeaways from the weekend's quarter-final action

The weekend's top eight quarter-final fixtures produced 16 goals and only one team failing to score in the four matches played, with only two of the teams that finished in the top four of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership managing to advance to the next round.

Kaizer Chiefs cup woes continue after Nedbank glory

Amakhosi were defeated 1-0 by Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium in an unconvincing display in front of their home supporters on Sunday.

The loss marks the third consecutive first round elimination for Chiefs in all cup competitions [Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, MTN8] since their 2024/25 Nedbank Cup triumph.

Chiefs also failed to advance from the group stage of last season's CAF Confederation Cup and will be wary of ending their disappointing streak in all tournaments for the 2026/27 season.

Three matches finish in extra-time

Six teams were forced to settle their respective fixtures in extra-time after tense and drama-filled 90 minutes of regulation time, that saw 13 of the 16 goals scored before full-time.

The additional time spent on the pitch will test the fitness of the players early in the season with all Betway Premiership teams set to play two fixtures during this week.

Pirates struggle after Sibisi injury

The Buccaneers failed to maintain defensive discipline against Durban City following the forced substitution of captain Nkosinathi Sibisi at the stroke of half-time due to injury, despite having taken a 1-0 lead into the break and with the visitors a man down after Brookly Poggenpoel's sending off.

Pirates seemed to lack the leadership that 'Bhodlela' brings to a squad with a number of youngsters and new signings coming into the side during the match but were able to get over the line after experienced Ghampani Lungu scored a late winner.

Smaller teams show more attacking intent

Polokwane City gave Mamelodi Sundowns a tough run for their semi-final spot, coming back from behind to lead the Tshwane giants 2-1 but ultimately falling to the quality of the opposition attack.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune produced a thrilling encounter of end-to-end football in fixture that could have easily produced more than seven goals.

Arrows also did not sit back against Kaizer Chiefs, with their fast transitional play leading to their winner.

Youngsters given an opportunity

The weekend's action saw a number of young players being given an opportunity to play first team football as team's look to create their own stars instead of spending more on the transfer market.

Pirates unleashed seven under-23 players [Seema, Dansin, Zulu, Masilela, Kgositlile, Ndaba, Sebelebele] against Durban City while Sundowns featured three youngsters [Lethlaku, 20, Johannes, 22, B Mokoena, 19] in the win against Polokwane.

Amakhosi also played five youngsters under the age of 23 [Duba, Vilakazi, Baartman, Phili, Shabalala] with other top eight sides also handing opportunities to inexperienced players in the tournament.