Ramovic's Rockets Face Tough Test Against Stellies
- ByMichael Rodriguez --
- 2024-08-04 03:01:02 --
- 0 Comments --
- ZA
Defending Champions Pirates Kick Off Campaign Against SuperSport
Orlando Pirates, the reigning MTN8 champions, will begin their title defense against SuperSport United in the quarter-finals at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, August 3. This will be the first match of the new campaign.Orlando Pirates overpowered SuperSport United 3-1 in a thrilling MTN8 quarter-final match played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday evening. The defending champions are now through to the tournament's semi-finals.
It was a hard-fought victory for the "Happy People" as they navigated past their opponents in extra time. The MTN8 remains the richest competition in South Africa's top-flight football, with the winners set to pocket a record R10 million, an increase of R2 million from previous payouts.
The tournament features the top eight teams from the previous league season, and with the semi-finals played over two legs, it only takes four wins to be crowned champion. Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams have welcomed the significant increase in the MTN8 prize money, as it further emphasizes the importance of this prestigious cup competition.
"The MTN8 remains the richest competition in South Africa's topflight football, considering the number of matches the winners have to play to be crowned champions."
Stellenbosch FC will host TS Galaxy at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday, as the two sides battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals. Both teams will be eager to make their mark and secure a place in the next round of the tournament.
The MTN8 has always been a highly anticipated event in the South African football calendar, and this year's edition promises to be just as thrilling. With the increased prize money and the introduction of new teams, the competition has become even more prestigious and coveted by the clubs.
Sirino Joins Kaizer Chiefs Amid Sundowns Exodus
In other news, Gaston Sirino has joined the growing list of Mamelodi Sundowns players who have signed with Kaizer Chiefs. The 33-year-old Uruguayan midfielder is expected to be officially unveiled by the Naturena-based club in the near future, having signed a two-year contract with the Amakhosi.
Sirino joins a host of former Sundowns players who have made the move to Chiefs, including Katlego "Killer" Mphela, Khama Billiat, Leonardo Castro, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele. It is reported that Sirino will don the iconic number 10 jersey for the Glamour Boys.
The former Sundowns star is the third player to join Chiefs during the current transfer window, following the arrivals of Bongani Sam from Orlando Pirates and Fiacre Ntwari from TS Galaxy.
Chiefs are currently in Botswana, where they are completing their pre-season preparations for the upcoming campaign. They will open their Betway Premiership season against Marumoa Gallants.
The question on everyone's mind is whether Sirino will be able to make a significant impact and replicate his success at Sundowns with the Amakhosi. Only time will tell if the experienced midfielder can help propel Chiefs to new heights in the upcoming season.
The MTN8 quarter-final clash between Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy promises to be an exciting encounter, as both teams look to secure a spot in the semi-finals and potentially lift the trophy at the end of the tournament.
With the increased prize money and the presence of the defending champions, the MTN8 is sure to capture the attention of football fans across South Africa as the new season kicks off with a bang.