Mamelodi Sundowns’ opponents in the MTN8 semi-finals, Golden Arrows, will be worried that their opponents are slowly but surely gaining momentum after registering a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants midweek.
This afternoon, Masandawana and Abafana Bes’thende will meet up in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium at 3:00pm, and the second leg will be played next weekend in Durban.
Even though Sundowns had won three of their four matches in all competitions since the start of the 2026/27 season, the Brazilians were not too clinical until their last game against Gallants in the league.
They dominated the North-West-based outfit and collected the three points on offer via the boot Malibongwe Khoza and returning soldier Cassius Mailula.
What will worry Arrows more is that Sundowns’ defence is getting its act together and they maintained a clean sheet against Gallants.
Sundowns are known for their sterling defensive work, but they had been rather lethargic and leaked like a fishnet at the back in the opening rounds of the Betway Premiership and the MTN8 tournament. Masandawana have shipped in five goals in three matches.
But Arrows too are on solid ground and are sitting comfortably on number nine on the PSL table. Even though they have not registered a single win in three outings, they may just cause an upset for Masandawana if they are underestimated. Arrows have played three draws with as many points.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso addressed the matter that his club has not shown much interest in winning the Wafa-Wafa cup – having only won the tournament once in 18 years under the current MTN8 sponsorship name.
“When we played Polokwane City in the first match, that was my first question to the players. When there’s a pattern… it’s not good,” said Cardoso.
“It will be something I remind the boys of as we prepare for the next match. The trophy has not been a regular at Chloorkop, but we value it,” he added, before noting the congested fixture list ahead.
“Obviously, we must take note of the fact that we play AmaZulu on Wednesday. After the second leg, we have a midweek match. Whatever lineup we field against Golden Arrows has nothing to do with not valuing the trophy, the sponsor, or the competition,” Cardoso said.
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- Mamelodi Sundowns’ opponents in the MTN8 semi-finals, Golden Arrows, will be worried that their opponents are slowly but surely gaining momentum after registering a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Marumo Gallants midweek.
- This afternoon, Masandawana and Abafana Bes’thende will meet up in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium at 3:00pm, and the second leg will be played next weekend in Durban.
- Even though Sundowns had won three of their four matches in all competitions since the start of the 2026/27 season, the Brazilians were not too clinical until their last game against Gallants in the league.
- They dominated the North-West-based outfit and collected the three points on offer via the boot Malibongwe Khoza and returning soldier Cassius Mailula.
- What will worry Arrows more is that Sundowns’ defence is getting its act together and they maintained a clean sheet against Gallants.
