With the MTN8 first leg semi-finals ahead this weekend, we take a trip down memory lane for what was a classic North versus South showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town back in 2009.

Ajax had booked their place in the last four by beating Orlando Pirates 2-1 away from home, Katlego Mashego scoring for Pirates on 53 minutes to cancel out Thulani Serero’s 17th minute opener, before Dipsy Selolwane sealed the win 15 minutes from time.

Chiefs meanwhile had beaten Wits University (now Bidvest Wits) 3-1, thanks to goals from Nkosinathi Nhleko (3rd minute), David Mathebula (71st) and, Knowledge Musona (93rd).

The first leg of the semi-final encounter between AmaKhosi and the Urban Warriors took place in the Mother City on August 22 2009, a 62nd minute penalty from Selolwane giving the Cape side the advantage ahead of the second leg.

The second leg, at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, proved to be a real cup classic - a humdinger - a goal six minutes from time by Franklin Cale securing the 3-3 draw on the day and 4-3 aggregate win for the team in red and white.

Left-back Brett Evans was to give Ajax a 13th minute lead with a trademark free kick, only for Jose Torrealba to level two minutes later when he superbly lifted the ball over Hans Vonk. Just a minute later Chiefs were in front when Josta Dladla tapped in at the far post from Nhleko’s cross.

The match remained riveting, chances at both ends before Ajax levelled the game in the 33rd minute through Evans’ penalty, after Punch Masenamela had taken down Selolwane.

Simphiwe Tshabalala’s 81st minute goal put Chiefs back in the tie at 3-2 on the afternoon (and 3-3 on aggregate), but the Urban Warriors made quite sure of their place in the final when Cale scored with a 30-yard screamer, which struck the upright before landing in the net.

There was however to be major disappointment in the MTN8 final for Ajax as they were thrashed 6-0 by Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium on October 25, 2009.