Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have been backed to produce a stellar two-legged affair after being drawn against each other in the MTN8 semifinals.
Pirates displayed a brilliant first-half performance to vanquish Polokwane City 2-0 at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday, before Sundowns doubled that scoreline at Lucas Moripe Stadium against Richards Bay FC the following day.
READ | SURPRISE, SURPRISE?: PSL confirms MTN8 semis venues & dates
With Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC also progressing, many fans had their hopes up for a final between the two giants of South African football.
The draw, however, had other ideas.
It was confirmed by the PSL on Wednesday that the first leg of the eagerly awaited fixture will be held at Orlando Stadium on 16 August at 15:00, with the other fixture following at 18:00 at Danie Craven on the same day.
“To be honest, I was happy that Pirates were drawn against with Sundowns,” admits Njabulo Manqana, who won the trophy with Golden Arrows back in 2009 before earning a big move to Bucs.
“Those two games will be a display of the highest standard of football. In my opinion, had the big teams been drawn against the small ones, it may have raised suspicions about a ‘cooked’ draw. It’s going to be very interesting match-ups, and the nice thing is that we are seeing goals in this year’s tournament.”
The erstwhile winger, who is one of the MTN8 ambassadors, refused to be drawn into a prediction against the sides that last met in this competition two seasons ago, where the Soweto giants triumphed on penalties in the final.
“Very tough and tight. What I like is that both teams don’t do this thing of playing defensively – no, no, no. Both teams will attack each other and for sure, there will be goals. We saw how good Pirates’ offensive play is against Polokwane City, and the same with Sundowns against Richards Bay FC.
READ | Saleng's Pirates ban confirmed!
“So, no wait will say, ‘Okay, I will sit and wait for the other team to attack me’. It’s going to be a tight game, but remember Pirates are the defending champions, while Sundowns didn’t get it last year and now they want it.
“It promises to be sold-out games and the crowd will enjoy both games.”