SEDIBENG.- Former Orlando Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Vuyo Mere made predictions ahead of the second leg of the MTN8 Cup semi-finals this weekend.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport during the MTN8 Cup Trophy Tour at MooiVaal Media’s offices, the two legends said they anticipate an exciting second leg of the semi-finals with Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows coming into this encounter with a goal advantage.

Pirates will be home against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, while in the other fixture that also promises fireworks, Golden Arrows will be at home in Durban against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

Pirates come into this leg leading Sekhukune United 1-0, while Golden Arrows stunned Sundowns by beating them 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals away from home.

MTN8 Cup ambassadors told Sedibeng Ster Sport that as much as it looks like a done deal for Pirates and Arrows, it is not going to be a walk in the park. Majoro said Pirates should brace themselves for the mother of all battles come Saturday.

He said there is no way Sekhukhune United will allow Pirates to beat them three times in a row.

Pirates doubled their lead over United, beating them 2-0 in the Betway Premiership fixture on Tuesday. This is why Majoro feels that United won’t be pushovers on Saturday.

“We might sit here and think Pirates is already in the final, but they must brace themselves for a fight. The good thing is that Pirates will be playing in front of their supporters, which will make things difficult for Sekhukhune. I would love to see Pirates and Sundowns in the final. This will be good for football. Pirates are known for their domination in the MTN8 Cup, having won it four times already. They will want to make history by winning it for the fifth time,” he told Sedibeng Ster Sport.

When asked if the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng has affected Pirates, Majoro was quick to dismiss it, though he acknowledged that, as much as they are winning, they are not playing the same as last season.

On the other hand, Mere was disappointed with Sundowns’ performance against Golden Arrows in the first leg of the semi-finals. Mere pointed out that Sundowns seems less interested in the MTN8 Cup considering the team’s history in this competition.

The club is always eliminated in this competition despite the quality it possesses compared to the rest in domestic football. Mere said that this is a concern and the players must change their attitude coming into this second-leg semi-final on Sunday.