The highly anticipated return of football in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) has reignited the passion and excitement of football supporters across the country. After a long off-season, the 2024/25 PSL campaign kicked off with a thrilling start, bringing together the best teams in the league to compete for glory in the MTN8. The return of the league promises not just intense rivalries and spectacular goals but also the unfolding of new narratives as teams strive to leave their mark as the best of the   season. As the league action resumed, the spotlight quickly shifted to the MTN8, the prestigious knockout tournament that pits the top eight teams from the previous season against each other in a battle for early silverware. 

Over the last two weekends, the MTN8 quarter-final fixtures delivered on all fronts, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what supporters can expect in the coming months of the Betway Premiership. From dramatic last-minute goals to nail-biting close calls and drama, the matches were a showcase of the talent and determination within the league. Teams such as Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellebosch FC, Polokwane City, TS Galaxy, Supersport United, Cape Town City and Sekhukhune United all took to the field, each looking to stamp their authority early in the season. As the competition progresses, these early encounters set the stage for what promises to be a captivating race for the MTN8 trophy, adding even more intensity to the already electrifying return of South African football.

Orlando Pirates kicked off their MTN8 title defense in commanding fashion with a 3-1 victory over SuperSport United in the first quarter-final of the tournament. As the defending champions, the Buccaneers were eager to set the tone for their campaign, and they did so with a performance that combined clinical finishing and resolute defending. Olisah Ndah opened the scoring for Pirates, providing the early breakthrough that set the pace for the match. Monnapule Saleng, a key figure in Pirates’ attacking lineup, doubled the lead, further solidifying their dominance. Evidence Makgopa sealed the win with a well-taken goal, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.

SuperSport United, despite being on the back foot for most of the game, managed to pull one back through a familiar face—former Orlando Pirates player Vincent Pule, who now plies his trade for Matsatsantsa. His goal briefly gave SuperSport hope, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit. Pirates’ 3-1 triumph not only secured their place in the semi-finals but also sent a strong message to the rest of the competition: the defending champions are determined to retain their crown. The match was a reminder of the firepower Pirates possess, as well as their ability to rise to the occasion in crucial fixtures.

In the second MTN8 quarter-final, Stellenbosch FC showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 3-1 victory over TS Galaxy. Goals from Jaden Adams, Andre de Jong, and Fawaaz Basadien propelled Stellies into the semifinals, while Kamogelo Sebelebele managed to pull one back for the Rockets. TS Galaxy, making their debut in the MTN8 after an impressive 6th-place finish in the league last season, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the clinical finishing of Stellenbosch. The match highlighted Stellenbosch’s intent to challenge for honors this season, while TS Galaxy gained valuable experience in their maiden appearance in the prestigious tournament.

In the third quarter-final of the MTN8, Sekhukhune United faced off against Cape Town City in a tightly contested match that ended in a 1-0 victory for the Cape Town side. The game’s only goal came from Darwin González, who coolly converted a penalty to secure the win for his team. This match marked Sekhukhune United’s second consecutive appearance in the MTN8, following their debut in the competition last season. Meanwhile, Cape Town City continued to demonstrate their consistency in the tournament, reaching the semifinals for the fifth time since the 2016-17 season.

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Polokwane City in the fourth quarter-final clash of the tournament. In a tightly contested match, the breakthrough came in extra time when an unfortunate own goal from Polokwane City’s Thabang Matuludi handed Sundowns the decisive advantage. 

The game took a surprising turn when Sundowns’ goalkeeper, Dennis Onyango, was sent off, leaving the team in a precarious position. Defender Mosa Lebusa stepped up as the stand-in goalkeeper, showcasing incredible composure under pressure. Despite the setback, Sundowns fought valiantly, pushing the game into extra time in a thrilling display of resilience and determination. Despite Polokwane City’s resilient defense, Sundowns’ persistence paid off, allowing them to advance to the next stage of the competition.

This victory marks the fourth consecutive season (2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-23, and 2021-22) that Mamelodi Sundowns have progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals, underscoring their dominance and consistency in South African football. The encounter was also notable as the first-ever meeting between Sundowns and Polokwane City in the MTN8, adding a new chapter to their competitive history. 

The MTN8 quarter-finals have set the stage for an exciting semifinal showdown, as fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches. Mamelodi Sundowns, off a challenging encounter, will host Stellenbosch FC in a clash that promises to be a test of tactical acumen and resilience. Meanwhile, Cape Town City will welcome the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter filled with intensity and drama. As both teams prepare for these critical fixtures, the football community awaits the official confirmation of dates and venues, which will undoubtedly add to the growing anticipation surrounding the MTN8 semi-finals.