Cape Town - The traditional 'Big Two' of South African soccer found themselves on the sidelines after a weekend of action in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 tournament.
Those still in the competition are Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Cape Town City and Chippa United, who all negotiated their passage to the semi-finals.
The once mighty Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to Cape Town City on Friday night while Orlando Pirates were knocked out by Wits on Saturday.
The Brazilians and Students would have widely been expected to reach the last four, but it was that progress of the two Cape sides that surprised many.
City, who purchased the Mpumalanga Black Aces franchise and relocated to Cape Town in the off-season, continued their impressive start to the season by stunning the competition's most successful side Kaizer Chiefs.
Eric Tinkler's men won 1-0 in the Western Cape with new Australian recruit Matthew Sim (7th minute) settling the contest with an early goal as the home coach ensured his unbeaten record against counterpart Steve Komphela was maintained.
That match was on Friday night and on Saturday afternoon, it was the turn of the Eastern Cape side to make a statement of their own when they won so impressively against Platinum Stars in Rustenburg.
Rhulani Manzini (9), scorer of two goals in midweek, continued his impressive form by firing the Chilli Boys ahead, before Menzi Masuku (79) added a late second at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as Dan Malesela's men, like City, reached the last four for the first time in their history.
On Saturday night it was the turn of the big boys as heavyweights Bidvest Wits faced Pirates at the Bidvest Stadium. And it was the Buccaneers that landed the first blow when Oupa Manyisa (16) put them ahead before Buhle Mkhwanazi (38) replied.
Gavin Hunt's men then grabbed the winner with 15 minutes to play as Thulani Hlatshwayo (75) struck to ensure Muhsin Ertugral's cup debut for his new club ended in defeat.
The only game on Sunday saw Sundowns emerge victorious from the Tshwane derby against SuperSport United, which was played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Wayne Arendse (18), Sibusiso Vilakazi (74), on his domestic debut, and Khama Billiat (80) all scored for Pitso Mosimane's side in a 3-1 win.
The consolation goal for Matsatsantsa came via Kingston Nkhatha (45) as the visitors were left still searching for their first win of the campaign.
African News Agency