First leg of MTN 8 Cup semi-finals produce draws
Dladla who partnered with Orlando Pirates said as ambassadors they represent all teams, however, predicted that his team will reach the final.
The second leg of the MTN 8 Wafa Wafa cup semi-finals will determine which team will compete in the finals, as none of the four clubs would be coming from an advantageous position.
This follows after the first leg of the MTN 8 semi-finals witnessed draws when defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium, on October 1.
This was followed by a one-all draw between Amazulu and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, on October 2.
Results of the semi-finals threw off predictions of many soccer fans, including soccer legends like former Wits University, AGF Aarhus (Denmark), Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Swallows and Bafana Bafana player Josta Dladla.
And former Jomo Cosmos, SuperSport United Kaizer Chiefs Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune FC player, Morgan Gould.
The pair visited Kathorus Mail at the Alberton Office to share details about MTN 8 campaign before the first leg of the semi-finals on September 26.
Dladla who partnered with Orlando Pirates said as ambassadors they represent all teams, however, predicted that his team will reach the final.
“I cross my fingers for Pirates to win so that I can win the last legend standing prize to dedicate to the charity of my choice,” said Dladla.
He altered that Chiefs and Amazulu is a difficult one because the two sides drew 0 – 0 in their last league game.
“I thought Chiefs was going to struggle but they impressed me. We need the Chiefs in the final and they have to beat Amazulu. I know it is a two-leg affair. But we need those goals because it is goals for charity as you know that R20 000 goes into a charity, so Kaizer Chiefs has to score more goals against Amazulu.”
Gould said Sundowns is more likely to succeed in the final because the team is well-oiled and has support from two coaches and an assistant coach.
“Sundowns has an upper hand. I am teamed up with them and my prediction is that they will go through to the final. In the first game, they might get beaten 2-1 but in the second leg they will come back with a 3-1 victory.”
The results of the first leg did not give fans a sense of relief going into the second leg, as the competition as it is still level and without the advantage of aggregate goals because of the draws.
Based on the club’s performances in their last five matches the league Sundowns won five games and lost one. They scored 15 goals and conceded five. Pirates won three, drew one and lost one and scored six and conceded three.
While Chiefs won two, drew two and lost one, they scored seven and conceded nine, which leaves them with a negative two-goal difference. Amazulu also won three and lost two games. They scored and conceded eight goals.
Competition prizes
According to the MTN SA senior manager, sponsorship and events Bongani Ntshingila, soccer fans and MTN customers have a chance to win by participating in interesting football quizzes, the match predictor on the MTN 8 ayoba channel, as well as some football-related content on MTN FC.
He said MTN has R8m in prizes that are up for grabs. Dial *144 *8# to opt-in, buy a bundle or recharge with R10 or more to stand a chance to win a share of R8m in prizes, which includes the last fan standing.
“The MTN 8 last fan standing is the ultimate mtn8 fan who will walk away with an R1m cash prize at the end of the tournament. Fans can participate even if their favourite club has been knocked out of the competition,” said Ntshingila.
“Fans and customers are encouraged to download the Ayoba app, to participate in the score predictions on match days and to also participate in the Trivia8 as this could increase your chance of winning.”
Charitable Initiatives
Ntshingila said MTN will pledge R20 000 per goal scored in regulation time during the tournament and all proceeds raised will be donated to charity after the tournament.
He further said through the MTN8 legacy programme, this year MTN will donate dream bags, which consist of football-playing kits, to schools to assist budding soccer players in communities.
“The legends will also be a part of the last legend standing initiative which will see them battle it out, Wafa Wafa style, for the grand prize that will be ploughed back into communities.”
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