by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
The 2026 MTN8 quarterfinals delivered a weekend of high drama, late goals and extra-time heroics as Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows secured their places in the semi-finals.
Three of the four quarterfinals went beyond regulation time, underlining the intensity of South Africa’s traditional season-opening knockout competition.
For defending champions Orlando Pirates, the dream of an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 title remains alive, while Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and Golden Arrows will now attempt to stop the Buccaneers from extending their remarkable dominance of the competition.
Pirates survive Durban City scare
Orlando Pirates had to dig deep at Orlando Stadium on Saturday before eventually overcoming Durban City 2-1 after extra time.
The Buccaneers looked to be in control after taking a 1-0 lead into half-time, but Durban City refused to surrender and pushed the defending champions all the way.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men, but Pirates were unable to settle the contest inside 90 minutes. It took extra time for the hosts to find the decisive breakthrough, with their new hero Lungu producing the moment that sent Pirates into the last four.
The result keeps Pirates’ remarkable MTN8 run on track. Having already won the previous four editions, the Buccaneers are now just two victories away from an unprecedented fifth successive crown.
Mailula sends Sundowns through
At the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns were pushed all the way by a determined Polokwane City side before eventually prevailing 3-2 after extra time.
The match was one of the weekend’s most entertaining encounters, with both sides refusing to give ground.
The decisive moment came in extra time when Cassius Mailula struck the winning goal to send the African champions into the semi-finals. The victory was particularly significant for Sundowns as they continue their pursuit of domestic silverware after an impressive continental campaign.
Polokwane City can nevertheless take plenty of encouragement from their performance. They matched one of the country’s strongest sides for long periods and forced the tie into extra time before eventually bowing out. 
Seven-goal thriller sends Sekhukhune through
Sunday produced arguably the most spectacular quarter-final of the weekend when Sekhukhune United edged AmaZulu 4-3 after extra time at Chatsworth Stadium.
The match had everything expected from a knockout contest — goals, momentum swings and a dramatic finish.
With the score level after 90 minutes, Sekhukhune found the winning goal in the 97th minute through substitute Vuyo Letlapa, who became the hero of the afternoon and sent Babina Noko into the semi-finals for the second consecutive season.
The seven-goal thriller was a fitting reminder of why the MTN8 remains one of the most unpredictable competitions on the South African football calendar.
Arrows knock Chiefs out
The final quarterfinal produced another major talking point as Golden Arrows stunned Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium.
Chiefs entered the match with hopes of making an early statement in the new season, but Arrows produced a disciplined performance to eliminate the Soweto giants.
The result means Chiefs’ MTN8 campaign ends at the quarter-final stage, while Arrows advance to a mouth-watering semi-final against Sundowns.
For Arrows, the victory represents an important opportunity to challenge the established hierarchy and build on their top eight finish in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
