Share

Knockout battle for the capital

accreditation
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane

Soccer fans have a real treat in store, with a riveting Tshwane Derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria set for a 3pm kickoff this afternoon.

The much-awaited MTN8 quarterfinal clash comes after defeats for both clubs this week. Sundowns suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of Enyimba in their final CAF Champions League group stage match at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on Tuesday.

The following day, SuperSport went down 1-0 to Platinum Stars in their opening Absa Premiership match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

The showdown featuring the Brazilians and Matsatsantsa a Pitori is usually characterised by a glut of goals and lives up to its derby billing – a far cry from the often cagey affair between Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Fans of both sides will enjoy top-class football awash with flair and more than the odd goal or two.

Former Bafana Bafana coaches Pitso Mosimane (Sundowns) and Stuart Baxter (SuperSport) will be manning the opposing benches. Both men are exuberant touchline characters and will be egging on their charges to get the better of their bitter rivals.

Mosimane is fresh from leading his men to the Premiership title. He is itching to get his hands on his second knockout trophy, after marshalling his troops to Telkom Cup glory by beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 in Durban in December.

Scotsman Baxter, a master tactician, will also be looking to capture another trophy, after his squad lifted the Nedbank Cup title by edging Orlando Pirates 3-2 in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in May.

This afternoon’s game is set to be a real humdinger and a showcase of the best South African soccer has to offer.

  • Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League has announced that the MTN8 semifinal draw will take place immediately after the Sundowns vs SuperSport game. It will be televised live.

Procedure:

  • One bowl/pot containing four balls will be used;
  • The semifinals will be contested over two legs (home and away);
  • There will be no seeding;
  • The first club to be drawn will play at home in the first leg;
  • The second club will play against the club drawn first (above) away in the first leg;
  • The third club drawn will be at home in the other first-leg tie; and
  • The fourth club drawn will play away against the side drawn third (above) in the first leg.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 395 votes
Vote