MTN8 latest: Who the odds suggest will reach the semi-finals

The season’s first major tournament, the MTN8, kicks off TOMORROW – and bookmakers have revealed who they fancy to reach the semi-finals.

READ | DSTV PREMIERSHIP ODDS: BOOKIES BELIEVE KAIZER CHIEFS WILL BE TITLE CONTENDERS

Only the top eight finishers in last season’s DStv Premiership are eligible for the knockout competition that will get going this weekend.

The stand-out clash of the MTN8 quarter-finals is undoubtedly the one between DStv Premiership winners from last season, Mamelodi Sundowns, and eighth-place finishers, Kaizer Chiefs.

READ | GAVIN HUNT LURES FORMER GOLDEN BOOT WINNER TO GQEBERHA

Golden Arrows and SuperSport United will square off at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal in the opening match on Saturday, 14 August at 15:00.

Defending champions, Orlando Pirates, will then host Swallows FC at the Orlando Stadium in the day’s second match at 18:00.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS END SPECULATION BY COMING TWO DEPARTURES FROM NATURENA

On Sunday, 15 August, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will lock horns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville at 15:00.

In the final clash, AmaZulu FC will enjoy home ground advantage when they welcome Cape Town City to the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 18:00.

The winner of the MTN8 tournament stands to earn R8 million.

The seven remaining participants will all take home R800 000 regardless of at what stage they were eliminated.

READ | PISTO MOSIMANE’S AL AHLY DROP CRUCIAL POINTS IN TIGHT EGYPT TITLE RACE

So what do leading SA bookies Hollywoodbets say?

Saturday’s opening match should be a tight affair with Golden Arrows marginal favourites at 15/10 with SuperSport United at 7/4. A stalemate after 90 minutes can be backed at an attractive looking 43/20.

In the second match, Orlando Pirates have been installed as 17/20 favourites with Swallows on offer at 33/10. The draw can be backed at 22/10.

The Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs humdinger looks like a match not to be missed. Hollywoodbets have the Brazilians as 11/10 favourites with Amakhosi on offer at 51/20. The draw is again worth considering at 21/10.

Closing out the quarter-finals, Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu are 1/1 to beat Cape Town City (28/10) while the stalemate can be backed at 21/10.

Good luck!

READ | DRAMATIC LATE TWIST IN PERCY TAU SAGA: MOVE TO AL AHLY LOOKS TO BE OFF!

MTN8 QUARTER-FINALS:

Saturday, 14 August

Golden Arrows vs SuperSport United – 15:00

Orlando Pirates vs Swallows – 158:00

Sunday, 15 August

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs – 15:00

AmaZulu vs Cape Town City – 18:00