The MTN 8 Cup reaches the semi-final stage this weekend with two entertaining first-leg clashes on the fixture list. Sekhukhune United host defending Champions Orlando Pirates on Saturday, while Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Golden Arrows on Sunday as the four remaining sides battle for a place in the final.
We take a closer look at both encounters from a betting angle below.
SATURDAY:
Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates – Click here to bet
Sekhukhune United booked their place in the last four in dramatic fashion, overcoming AmaZulu 4-3 after extra time in one of the most entertaining quarter-finals of the competition. The side twice had to fight back before eventually securing victory and a semi-final meeting with the defending champions.
They will now look to make home advantage count in the first leg and take a positive result to the return fixture.
Orlando Pirates continued their defence of the MTN 8 title with a 2-1 victory over Durban City in the quarter-finals. The Buccaneers were made to work for their place in the last four but ultimately had enough quality to get over the line.
They opened the scoring in the first half with a penalty goal, but things were levelled by Durban City just after the break and with the match at 1-1 after 90 minutes the sides entered extra time where things were competitive once again before Pirates broke the deadlock in the 120th minute.
Head-to-Head:
Sekhukhune have enjoyed the better record across the last six meetings, winning 3 times compared to 2 victories for Orlando Pirates with 1 draw. The most recent meeting ended goalless in January 2026, while Sekhukhune recorded a 1-0 victory away to Pirates in August 2025.
The previous six meetings have generally been tight, with four producing two goals or fewer.
Odds: Sekhukhune United 4.25 | Draw 3.25 | Orlando Pirates 1.95
Verdict:
This could be a much tighter contest than the outright odds suggest. Sekhukhune have already demonstrated their ability to compete with Pirates and have home advantage for the opening leg, while the Buccaneers will be conscious that there is still another 90 minutes to come.
Pirates remain the stronger side on paper and their experience in this competition gives them the edge but Sekhukhune’s defensive organisation and recent success against the champions make this an interesting matchup. I expect a cagey first leg with neither side wanting to give too much away ahead of the return fixture.
Bet: The draw at 3.25
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SUNDAY:
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows – Click here to bet
Mamelodi Sundowns survived a thrilling quarter-final against Polokwane City, eventually winning 3-2 to secure their place in the semi-finals.
The Tshwane outfit were under pressure for large spells of the match, but their attacking quality ultimately proved decisive when they scored the winning goal in the second-half of added time. They now return to home soil for the first leg and will be looking to build an advantage before travelling to face Arrows on the road.
Golden Arrows produced one of the most impressive results of the quarter-final round by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs with a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium.
After finishing sixth in the Premiership last season, Arrows have now taken another major step in the MTN 8 and will be confident after keeping a clean sheet against Chiefs. Their disciplined approach could again be important against one of the strongest teams in the country especially on opposition soil.
Head-to-Head:
Sundowns have won 3 of the last 6 meetings, while Golden Arrows have won once and the other 2 fixtures ended level. The most recent meeting saw Sundowns win 2-1 in March 2026, although Arrows produced an upset earlier in the same season with a 1-0 victory at home.
Sundowns have also produced some emphatic victories in this fixture in recent years, including a 4-0 league win and a 5-0 Carling Knockout success across 2024 and 2025.
Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns 1.47 | Draw 3.65 | Golden Arrows 9.50
Verdict:
Sundowns are deservedly strong favourites at home, and their attacking quality should make them difficult for Arrows to contain over 90 minutes. However, Golden Arrows have already shown in the quarter-finals that they are capable of frustrating a top opponent.
With this being only the first leg, Sundowns may not need to chase an overwhelming victory and could instead focus on taking a lead into the return fixture. Arrows are likely to sit deep and try to keep the tie alive, which could result in a controlled rather than completely open encounter and I cannot see much separating the sides as recent meetings suggest.
I am backing Sundowns to edge this.
Bet: Handicap 3-Way, Sundowns -1 the draw at 3.25 (Sundowns to win by exactly 1 goal)
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
