Who wants to win R8m?

With defending champions Ajax Cape Town not in the competition, Njabulo Ngidi asks: who will walk away with the R8m cheque at the end of the MTN8 that kicks off this weekend? Photo: Gavin Barker

With defending champions Ajax Cape Town not in the competition, Njabulo Ngidi asks: who will walk away with the R8m cheque at the end of the MTN8 that kicks off this weekend? Photo: Gavin Barker

Published Aug 23, 2016

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With defending champions Ajax Cape Town not in the competition, the MTN8 will have a new winner this season. Who will walk away with the R8m cheque at the end of the competition that kicks off this weekend?

Friday: Cape Town City v Kaizer Chiefs @ Cape Town Stadium, 8pm

A year ago Steve Komphela showed he isn’t just a linguistic but also a good motivator. He inspired Amakhosi to come back from being 3-1 down to beating Maritzburg United 5-3 in the opening round of the MTN8. Chiefs went as far as the final where they were defeated by a side from the Mother City, Ajax.

Amakhosi lost the final to a superior opponent that exposed their lack of big match temperament. Improving that aspect and scoring more goals are high on Komphela’s agenda this season. Unlike last season where he inherited the team, the coach had an input in the squad assembled this time. He is expected to make up for last season’s disappointing run. But Chiefs go to uncharted territory, visiting a new side that’s not only finding their feet as a club but also as a brand.

Prediction: Cape Town City 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs

Saturday: Platinum Stars v Chippa United @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, 3pm

This match should produce the most goals in the round because they are both led by coaches, Cavin Johnson and Dan Malesela, who preach enterprising football. There were 10 goals scored in their two meetings last season in the league, as they produced two five-goal thrillers.

Even though both clubs find themselves as the only team in the Premier Division in their respective provinces, they struggle to get decent crowds in the two World Cup stadiums they call home. So they have vowed to win them over with beautiful football. That has worked for the Chilli Boys who get better crowds in East London than in Port Elizabeth.

Malesela has spoken about creating a culture where the team plays good football to an extent that nobody asks for free tickets but is willing to spend their money because they will be entertained. But the Chilli Boys have to make the long trip to North West, which could count against them - especially since they’ll be playing in the Phokeng heat.

Prediction: Platinum Stars 3-2 Chippa United

Saturday: Bidvest Wits v Orlando Pirates @ Bidvest Stadium, 8.15pm

The Clever Boys’ coach Gavin Hunt insists that a true test of a great team is the one that wins the marathon that is the league. But he would welcome success in the MTN8 sprint after three barren seasons. He is under pressure to deliver and finally bring silverware to a club that was last champions in 2010.

This is a make-or-break season for the coach who won the league three times in a row with SuperSport United. Muhsin Ertugral wouldn’t survive three barren seasons with the Buccaneers. Even though he is in his first season with the club, saying he needs two to three months to stamp his authority, a lot is expected from him.

Ertugral is a knockout specialist who has the formula for cup competitions. He takes over a team still smarting from losing the Nedbank Cup final.

Prediction: Bidvest Wits 0-2 Orlando Pirates

Sunday: Mamelodi Sundowns v SuperSport United @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, 3pm

As far as derbies go, this is the most entertaining in the country. The Tshwane derby might not be as big as the Soweto derby in terms of hype and attendance but it delivers where it matters...the football on display with plenty of goals.

There are a number of interesting subplots that should already add spice to the tie. There is the rivalry between the coaches Pitso Mosimane and Stuart Baxter. The league has gone back-and-forth in the last four seasons between the two men.

The two sides also finished last season as champions. Sundowns won the league and Matsatsantsa a Pitori took home the Nedbank Cup in May. But the Brazilians’ success was underpinned by dominance while United’s trophy was to salvage what had been a disappointing season. This should be a bruising affair.

Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 SuperSport United

The Star

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