MTN8 semi-finals: Key Players
Ajax Cape Town v Bidvest Wits: Saturday 14 August 2015, Coetzenburg Stadium, 20H15
Midfield enforcer Ndiviwe Mdabuka has already made a big impact, just two games in to his Ajax career after an off-season move from Vasco da Gama. Tenacious, hard-working and with a knack of arriving in the box at the right time, ‘Diva’ is extremely highly rated by coach Roger De Sa.
With a clean-sheet at home in the first leg an admitted priority by the Ajax camp, Finnish goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkolla could have a key role to play in terms of organizing the young defence in front of him as the Urban Warriors try and keep their opponents from scoring.
Bidvest Wits attacker Elias Pelembe has already shown his value to the Clever Boys, scoring the winner against Ajax in last weekend’s league encounter. The tricky winger will be looking to re-establish himself this season as one of the PSL’s biggest stars after having struggled for game-time at Sundowns over the last two seasons.
Another wide-man, Daine Klate, is set to bring vast experience to the Students, having won five league titles and various cup competitions at SuperSport and Pirates. A man for the big occasion, Klate can score and provide goals from both open and set play.
Bloemfontein Celtic v Kaizer Chiefs: Sunday 15 August, Free State Stadium, 15H00.
The second highest goal-scorer in the league last season, Lerato Lamola has already hit the ground running in the current campaign with a goal in last weekend’s opening Absa Premiership match against Polokwane City. Tall and strong, the 29-year-old Lamola’s energy and pace could potentially make life tough for the Chiefs defence.
Playing in a more advanced attacking role these days after being converted from a right back, Thapelo Morena is a player full of pace and skill who is likely to put any defence under pressure with his purposeful running.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyanda Xulu is out to make his mark in this country after returning from Russia. The Bafana Bafana defender has had a lively start to his AmaKhosi career, scoring an own goal and then a spectacular volley against Maritzburg United in the 5-3 quarter-final win.
Winger George Lebese had a breakthrough season in 2014/ 2015 as he established himself a first team regular and an important one at that. Creative, intelligent and direct, the fleet-footed Lebese proved to be the difference in the previous round with his two goals against Maritzburg.