WeeklySA_AdminHIGH-STAKES: Continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns will seek to turn their formidable pedigree and home-ground advantage into a decisive first-leg lead when they host Golden Arrows in Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Mamelodi Sundowns will start as overwhelming favourites when they welcome Golden Arrows to the Lucas Moripe Stadium for the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Sunday.
The encounter kicks off at 3pm, with the return leg scheduled for the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban next Sunday.
Although this is an MTN8 fixture between two Premier Soccer League clubs rather than a Betway Premiership match, the occasion carries considerable importance for Sundowns as they attempt to translate their continental supremacy into domestic cup success.
Masandawana enter the tie as the reigning CAF Champions League winners after defeating Morocco’s AS FAR 2–1 on aggregate in May. That triumph secured their second African crown and strengthened their standing as one of the continent’s most accomplished clubs.
The Brazilians possess greater depth, extensive knockout experience and several players accustomed to carrying the pressure that accompanies high-stakes fixtures. Playing the opening leg in front of their supporters provides them with another opportunity to establish control before the contest moves to Durban.
Sundowns will want more than a narrow victory. A commanding performance and a lead of two or more goals would leave Arrows with a formidable mountain to climb in the return fixture.
History also leans heavily towards the Tshwane giants. Sundowns have won 35 of their 61 competitive meetings with Arrows, while losing only 12. They also beat Abafana Bes’thende 2–1 in their most recent league encounter in March.
However, Arrows should not be mistaken for ceremonial guests. The KwaZulu-Natal side reached the semi-finals by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 at FNB Stadium and have not conceded a goal in their four competitive matches this season. They followed their cup triumph with goalless league draws against Durban City and TS Galaxy, demonstrating an ability to remain disciplined and difficult to break down.
Their compact defensive structure could frustrate Sundowns if the hosts are unable to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities. Arrows will probably absorb pressure, deny space between the lines and wait for chances to counterattack.
But containing Sundowns for 90 minutes in Tshwane is an altogether greater examination. The African champions have the technical quality and attacking resources to stretch even the most organised defence. Their ability to dominate possession, attack from wide areas and introduce match-winners from the bench gives them a clear edge.
Sundowns must nevertheless guard against complacency. Two-legged football often rewards patience, and Arrows will know that escaping Pretoria with the tie still alive would represent a significant achievement. The responsibility rests with Masandawana to impose their authority early and make home advantage count.
Everything—from pedigree and personnel to experience and historical dominance—suggests that the African champions should prevail.
Arrows may arrive with courage and a stubborn defence, but Sundowns carry the heavier weapons.
Sports Briefs
Venue change for Chiefs game
The Premier Soccer League, in conjunction with hosts Richards Bay FC, have announced a change of venue for next Wednesday’s Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
Originally scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium, the fixture will now take place at the Princess Magogo stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban.
With Moses Mabhida stadium unavailable, the adjustment has been confirmed by the league and the hosting club, with Richards Bay FC indicating that Princess Magogo stadium will provide the best alternative in the circumstances.
Kaizer Chiefs, joint-top of the log with seven points after three rounds of matches, will be looking to extend their tally to 10 points following a 10-day break since their last outing against Mamelodi Sundowns. Richards Bay, meanwhile, have collected two points from their opening three fixtures and will be eager to make home advantage count in KwaZulu-Natal.
Tickets remain valid despite the venue change, at R100, and available online at openticket.co.za and at Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave stores nationwide.
The Betway Premiership fixture between the Natal Rich Boyz and Amakhosi will kick off at 19:30 on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at Princess Magogo stadium in KwaMashu.
Bucs, Van Rooyen part ways
Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of defender Deano van Rooyen after the two parties agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
The 29-year-old leaves the Buccaneers as a free agent following two seasons with the club.
Van Rooyen joined Pirates from Stellenbosch FC ahead of the 2024/25 season after establishing himself as one of the Betway Premiership’s most consistent full-backs. He made more than 50 appearances and helped the Soweto giants win a treble last season.
“The decision follows open conversations between Deano and the club, with both sides agreeing that the time is right for him to begin a new chapter in his career,” Pirates said in a statement.
The club praised Van Rooyen as a model professional who delivered whenever called upon, whether as a starter or substitute.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club would like to thank Deano for his contribution and wish him well in his future endeavours,” the statement added.
His exit continues Pirates’ reshuffle at right-back following the departures of Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu.
The club has been linked with Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi as it looks to reinforce the position ahead of the new campaign. – Lehana Lehlohonolo/Fullview
Cameroon dominate WAFCON 11
Champions Cameroon have dominated the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Team of the Tournament, with four players selected in the competition’s best XI.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, defender Myriam Nyadjou, midfielder Monique Ngock and forward Marie Ngah Manga were included in the 4-3-3 line-up chosen by CAF’s Technical Study Group. Hosts Morocco and Algeria contributed two players each, while finalists Malawi were represented by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Zambia captain Barbra Banda completed the attacking trio.
Ngock was named Player of the Tournament after inspiring Cameroon to their maiden continental title, while Bihina received the Best Goalkeeper award. Nineteen-year-old Nyadjou was recognised as the tournament’s Best Young Player.
Temwa Chawinga claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the competition’s leading scorer with five goals and two assists.
Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele was named Coach of the Tournament after guiding the Indomitable Lionesses to a commanding 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final.
The best XI also included Algeria’s Inès Belloumou and Marine Dafeur, and Morocco defenders Nouhaila Benzina and Hanane Ait El Haj.
BOXING CHAMP TETE SHOT DEAD
FORMER two-time world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete has been shot dead in an ambush outside his Mdantsane home in the Eastern Cape. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said Tete, 38, was waiting for his gate to open at about 6.30pm on Thursday when two balaclava-clad gunmen emerged from a vehicle and opened fire.
Tete attempted to escape the hail of bullets by driving into the yard but succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
A 27-year-old female passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where she remains under medical care.
The motive for the attack remains unknown and police investigations are continuing.
Tete, who began boxing at the age of eight, captured the International Boxing Federation junior-bantamweight title by stopping Teiru Kinoshita in Japan in 2014. He later held the World Boxing Organisation bantamweight crown from 2017 until losing to John Riel Casimero in 2019.
Trained by former world champion Vuyani Bungu, Tete recorded 29 victories, including 22 knockouts, from 34 professional fights. His last bout was a victory over Britain’s Jason Cunningham at Wembley Arena in July 2022. – Lehlohonolo Lehana
