Premier Soccer League
Five in a Row Beckons
⚽ Pirates Rout Sekhukhune 3-0 to Reach Historic MTN8 Final
Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 3-0 in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to reach the final of the competition. By doing so, Pirates made history by becoming the first Premier Soccer League side to reach the final on five consecutive occasions.
The Buccaneers entered the second leg with the tie already tilted in their favour — courtesy of Deon Hotto's late first-half goal in the first leg at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium — and they wasted no time in putting the tie beyond Sekhukhune's reach. Yanela Mbuthuma played a central role in breaking the deadlock, collecting a pass from Appollis before calmly setting up Lungu, who had some work to do before firing in for the second of the afternoon with just six minutes remaining before the break.
Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Lungu added the second in the 39th minute — two goals in three first-half minutes that ended Sekhukhune's hopes of a comeback before half-time had even arrived. Kamogelo Sebelebele then gave the fans something in the third minute of added time to ensure it ended 3-0, and 4-0 on aggregate.
Pirates are seeking a fifth title in a row in a competition they have dominated since 2020, and will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Lamontville Golden Arrows in the decider — with Golden Arrows holding a surprise 1-0 lead from the first leg of the other semi-final.
A sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena roared them home. Five consecutive MTN8 finals. Four consecutive titles. The Buccaneers are chasing history — and nothing right now suggests anyone can stop them.
Source: 3nul.com
Images: PSL, Orlando Pirates, Supersport Football
The Football IQ Show Has Arrived
⚽ South African Football Will Never Be Discussed the Same Way Again
South African football has been waiting for a show like this. The Football IQ Show — hosted by Lindo Pep and Mark Mayambela — has officially launched, and its debut episode immediately signals that this is something different from anything the local football media landscape has produced before.
The premise is simple and the execution is sharp: take the modern game seriously, analyse it properly, and trust the audience to keep up. Episode one delivers on all three counts. Special guest Linda Mntambo — one of South African football's most respected analytical voices — joins Lindo Pep and Mayambela for a conversation that takes the viewer inside the mechanics of the contemporary game: the pressing structures, the positional principles, the details that decide matches before most supporters even realise they are being contested.
Then comes the main event — a tactical breakdown of the MTN8 semi-finals that goes well beyond scorelines and highlights. Through data, formations and the kind of granular analysis that elite coaching staff use to prepare for opponents, the Football IQ Show unpacks what actually happened in those fixtures: the defensive shape that held, the press that was broken, the moment of transition that the match turned on and that television cameras missed entirely.
This is South African football content built for the audience that has always wanted more. Episode one has set a standard. The question now is how high this show can go.
Sekhukhune United v Orlando Pirates | Leg 1
Mamelodi Sundowns v Golden Arrows | Leg 1
The Football IQ Show
Source: 3nul.com
Images: Lindo Pe, Supersport Football
⚽ Chiefs and Sundowns Share the Points at FNB
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns drew 1-1 in an intense encounter at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with both teams showing character and fighting until the final minute.
Heading into the game, these were the only two teams in the Betway Premiership who had yet to drop points in the new season. That unblemished record for both clubs is now gone — but the quality of the contest that erased it will be long remembered.
Chiefs took the lead in the 63rd minute when Langelihle Phili — a recent signing from Stellenbosch FC — finished from close range to send the home sections of a packed FNB Stadium into raptures. The 21-year-old, making his mark in only his third league appearance for Amakhosi, showed the composure and directness that persuaded Fernando Da Cruz to bring him to Naturena.
Sundowns, the African champions and perennial Betway Premiership contenders under new coach Miguel Cardoso, responded with the calm authority of a side that has learned to stay composed when behind. Cassius Mailula — back for a second stint at Sundowns after spells at Toronto FC, Wydad Casablanca and Kortrijk — headed home with his first touch of the game in the 75th minute to level the scores. It was the kind of impact substitute performance that defines big-match pedigree.
Brandon Petersen produced a crucial save to deny Marcelo Allende from close range as Sundowns pushed for the winner, before Chiefs held firm during the closing stages.
For Da Cruz, a draw against Sundowns in just his second league match is a result that reinforces the belief growing at Naturena that this edition of Amakhosi is a different proposition. For Cardoso's Sundowns — still building rhythm after their delayed pre-season — a point against the league leaders is a platform to build from.
Source: 3nul.com
Images: GETTY, Supersport Football
