By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a convincing 4-0 win against Richards Bay in the MTN 8 quarterfinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday evening.
Sundowns joined Orlando Pirates, Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC in the final four.
The Brazilians broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a goal from Iqraam Rayners through a header from a corner kick.
Sundowns extended their lead on the stroke of half-time with an own goal from Richards Bay captain Simphiwe Mcikena.
The reigning Betway Premiership champions went into the break with a comfortable two-goal lead and having one foot in the semi-final.
Rayners, bagged his brace in the 54th minute to give his side a 3-0 lead against Richards Bay. In the 76th minute, Siyabonga Mabena put the final nail in Bay’s coffin after scoring the fourth goal.
Sundowns will now shift their focus to the start of the Premier Soccer League, where they’ll kick off their campaign with an away clash against Chippa United in Gqeberha on Saturday, 9 August, while Richards Bay take on Marumo Gallants.
Meanwhile Stellenbosch FC were made to work for their place in the MTN8 semifinals this weekend after recording a hard-fought 3-2 win against AmaZulu at the DHL Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MTN8 quarterfinal results
Saturday 2 August
Orlando Pirates 2-0 Polokwane City
Sekhukhune United 3-2 TS Galaxy
Sunday 3 August
Stellenbosch FC 3-2 AmaZulu FC (after extra time)
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0 Richards Bay.
The MTN8 semi-final draw was confirmed by the Premier Soccer League [PSL] after Sunday’s quarter-final matches, with Sundowns and Pirates set for a semi-final showdown.
MTN8 semi-final draw in full:
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Stellenbosch FC vs Sekhukhune United.
Both semi-final ties will consist of two legs, played on a home-and-away basis. The first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals will take place on the weekend of 16/17 August. The second leg will take place on 23/24 August. Kick-off times will be announced in due course.