VANDERBIJLPARK. – Excitement is building ahead of the MTN8 second-leg semi-finals, with the Wafa Wafa crew bringing the trophy tour to the Vaal on Wednesday.

Today, Orlando Pirates travel to Pretoria to face Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00, and the clash is already sold out. The first leg ended 1-1 at Orlando Stadium, but Sundowns hold the advantage through the away-goal rule.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport during the tour stop at MooiVaal Media’s office, former Pirates captain and MTN8 ambassador Lucky Lekgwathi backed Pirates to reach the final.

“People think Sundowns have the advantage because of the away goal, but Pirates are coming with only one thing in mind, to win,” Lekgwathi said.

“We’re going to attack from the first whistle. This game is far from over. Expect the mother of all battles on Saturday.”

In the other semi-final, Sekhukhune United hosts Stellenbosch at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, also on Saturday. Stellies head into the tie with a commanding 2-0 lead from the first leg. But MTN8 crew member and former Sundowns forward Brent Carelse made a bold prediction: Sekhukhune United will turn the tie around.

“I still believe that Sekhukhune United will come back and win this game because they will be playing in their backyard. It is not a game over yet despite Stellies’s lead. They still have a long way to go.”

When asked which teams they want to see in the finals, Lekgwathi said he would love to see a repeat of last year’s Pirates-Stellenbosch showdown, while Carelse hoped for Sekhukhune playing either Sundowns or Pirates.