MTN8 semi-final first leg preview - Fixtures, kick-off times, how to watch

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The MTN8 semi-final first leg this weekend will see Orlando Pirates visit Sekhukhune United in the first of three consecutive matches between the sides (including one in the South African Premiership), while Mamelodi Sundowns will host Golden Arrows.

Sekhukhune and Pirates will play the first leg of their tie at Polokwane's Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 3 p.m. South African Standard Time (SAST) on Saturday. Mamelodi Sundowns will then host Golden Arrows at Atteridgeville's Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday at 3 p.m.

The reverse fixtures will take place the following weekend - with Orlando Pirates hosting Sekhukhune next Saturday and Mamelodi Sundowns visiting Golden Arrows in Durban on Sunday.

All four matches are set to air on SuperSport. The away goals rule is in effect and there will be no extra-time in the case of a draw over the course of two legs, though it is used in the quarter-finals and final (which are both single-leg ties). If teams are level on goals and away goals, the semi-finals will go straight to penalties at the end of the second leg.

Sekhukhune United vs. Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have won the last four MTN8 tournaments and the defending Premiership champions also went top of the league on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Chippa United. Ghampani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami were amongst the goals for the Buccaneers.

They face tricky league and cup tests against Sekhukhune. Cedric Kaze began his reign as head coach with a 1-0 league win over Durban City, followed by a 4-3 MTN8 quarter-final win over AmaZulu. A 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the league was followed by a 2-0 bounceback win over Polokwane City, with goals from Tshepo Mokoane and Ngoanamello Rammala.

Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

Kick-off time: 3 p.m. CAT on Saturday, August 22

How to watch: The match will air on SuperSport's DSTV channel 202

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Golden Arrows

Sundowns lost to Orlando Pirates on penalties in the MTN8 semi-finals last season, with the Buccaneers coming from behind to draw both legs 1-1 to force a 2-2 aggregate draw and then triumphing in the penalty shootout.

Miguel Cardoso's side are African champions, but have lost their domestic supremacy, and the MTN8 provides them the first opportunity to strike back.

Sundowns trail Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs only on goal difference at the summit of the league table after goals from Malibongwe Khoza and Cassius Mailula handed them a 2-0 Wednesday win over Marumo Gallants. Khuliso Mudau came off injured in the first half and was replaced at right-back by Zuko Mdunyelwa.

Sundowns will play the first leg at home against a Golden Arrows side under new leadership in Pitso Dladla - who took over from former Brazilians boss Manqoba Mngqithi ahead of the new campaign.

Arrows have started the league season off with three 0-0 draws but a Khulekani Shezi strike handed them a 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Kaizer Chiefs.

Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, Pretoria

Kick-off time: 3 p.m. CAT on Sunday, August 23

How to watch: The match will air on SuperSport