8 conclusions from the MTN8 quarterfinals
Edward Manqele of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates his goal during the MTN8 Quarter Finals
‘Downs send Chiefs packing
MTNFootball weighs up the MTN8 quarterfinals from this past weekend…
- Mamelodi Sundowns could not have made a more emphatic statement of intent, with their first half performance against Kaizer Chiefs absolutely scintillating. The Brazilians took their foot off the pedal in the second half, but they had the game signed, sealed and delivered by the time the referee blew the half-time whistle.
- As for Chiefs, their complete inability to defend from set-pieces, despite having the duo of Morgan Gould and Erick Mathoho (two of the best headers of a ball in South Africa) in the heart of their defence, will be a massive worry for coach Stuart Baxter. Their sieve-like midfield will also be of concern: the Amakhosi may miss Tinashe Nengomasha more than they are prepared to admit.
- Orlando Pirates were lucky to beat Bloemfontein Celtic, having failed to dominate Clinton Larsen’s team before being awarded a soft penalty late on. Had Phunya Sele Sele been more efficient in front of goal, they could well have sent the defending champs packing.
- Yet there were still some plus points for Bucs in what was generally an underwhelming performance. The strike partnership between Benni McCarthy and Ndumiso Mabena showed real promised, though the latter’s poor finishing remains a problem, while Sifiso Myeni also added a bit of control and class on the flank that Tlou Segolela, for all his searing pace, simply cannot.
- Nathan Paulse could prove a brilliant buy for SuperSport United. He marked his debut with a goal in the MTN8 quarterfinal win over Free State Stars and generally looked perfectly-suited to Matsatsantsa’s direct and aggressive style of play. The return of George Maluleka has also added some inventiveness in midfield that was previously lacking.
- Steve Komphela getting sent off for arguing that his players were not getting enough protection from the referee is almost the height of irony. Stars, while they have played some good football in recent years, have never been afraid to ‘get stuck in’ when it comes to a physical contest and have bullied plenty of teams into submission. Apparently a taste of their own medicine is too much to handle…
- A solid start for Zeca Marques in charge of Moroka Swallows, who eased past AmaZulu. Following on from Gordon Igesund can’t be an easy thing to do, but as long as the Birds keep reeling in the results, Marques will have nothing to fear. As for AmaZulu, they may have hit the woodwork a couple of times, but there’s no doubt Swallows were deserved winners.
- And it was good to see Siyabonga Nomvethe picking up in the new season where he left off in the last. Relying so much on a veteran striker is probably not a good thing for Swallows, but as long as ‘Bhele’ keeps on banging in the goals he’ll continue to be the Birds’ go-to man.
- Mamelodi Sundowns could not have made a more emphatic statement of intent, with their first half performance against Kaizer Chiefs absolutely scintillating. The Brazilians took their foot off the pedal in the second half, but they had the game signed, sealed and delivered by the time the referee blew the half-time whistle.
- As for Chiefs, their complete inability to defend from set-pieces, despite having the duo of Morgan Gould and Erick Mathoho (two of the best headers of a ball in South Africa) in the heart of their defence, will be a massive worry for coach Stuart Baxter. Their sieve-like midfield will also be of concern: the Amakhosi may miss Tinashe Nengomasha more than they are prepared to admit.
- Orlando Pirates were lucky to beat Bloemfontein Celtic, having failed to dominate Clinton Larsen’s team before being awarded a soft penalty late on. Had Phunya Sele Sele been more efficient in front of goal, they could well have sent the defending champs packing.
- Yet there were still some plus points for Bucs in what was generally an underwhelming performance. The strike partnership between Benni McCarthy and Ndumiso Mabena showed real promised, though the latter’s poor finishing remains a problem, while Sifiso Myeni also added a bit of control and class on the flank that Tlou Segolela, for all his searing pace, simply cannot.
- Nathan Paulse could prove a brilliant buy for SuperSport United. He marked his debut with a goal in the MTN8 quarterfinal win over Free State Stars and generally looked perfectly-suited to Matsatsantsa’s direct and aggressive style of play. The return of George Maluleka has also added some inventiveness in midfield that was previously lacking.
- Steve Komphela getting sent off for arguing that his players were not getting enough protection from the referee is almost the height of irony. Stars, while they have played some good football in recent years, have never been afraid to ‘get stuck in’ when it comes to a physical contest and have bullied plenty of teams into submission. Apparently a taste of their own medicine is too much to handle…
- A solid start for Zeca Marques in charge of Moroka Swallows, who eased past AmaZulu. Following on from Gordon Igesund can’t be an easy thing to do, but as long as the Birds keep reeling in the results, Marques will have nothing to fear. As for AmaZulu, they may have hit the woodwork a couple of times, but there’s no doubt Swallows were deserved winners.
- And it was good to see Siyabonga Nomvethe picking up in the new season where he left off in the last. Relying so much on a veteran striker is probably not a good thing for Swallows, but as long as ‘Bhele’ keeps on banging in the goals he’ll continue to be the Birds’ go-to man.
{message}