Showmax Premier League caught up with Sibusiso Vilakazi ahead of the MTN8 second-leg semi-final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The MTN8 semifinal second leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates is a showdown for the ages, and a man who has worn both the yellow and blue and the black and white has weighed in.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, former midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi says it’s too close to call, but his gut tells him the Brazilians will ultimately progress to the final.

Vilakazi, who recently had an exclusive chat with Showmax Premier League, weighed in on the crucial MTN8 semifinal second leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 23 August, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

“I think they can progress because they have an away goal, which is a massive luxury coming into the second leg,” he says.

“That one goal changes everything and puts so much pressure on Pirates to approach the game differently in all phases.”

When asked about Sundowns’ start to the new campaign – one win and one draw in the Betway Premiership and a draw away from home in the MTN8 – Vilakazi describes it as “fairly okay, but not the greatest of starts.”

He points to a few factors, including the absence of “a couple of players and major big puzzle players, the kind that win games for the team.”

He adds that the break the team had after participating in the Club World Cup might have also had an impact on their momentum.

Reflecting on the first leg, Vilakazi says he was not “completely satisfied” with Sundowns’ performance, “especially the second half.”

“They had so many chances in both halves, but they weren’t ruthless enough,” he explains. “On top of that, their defending was not up to the high standard we know them to be.”

If Sundowns are to overcome their rivals this weekend, Vilakazi believes it will come down to the performances of his list of key players: Arthur Sales, Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews, Ronwen Williams, and Aubrey Modiba or Divine Lunga.

He adds that the midfield combination of Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende will be crucial to their success.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Vilakazi believes that while Sundowns will not “completely dominate” the Betway Premiership this season, their “experience” and strong “personnel” will ensure they remain firm contenders. However, he also notes that “the gap might be getting closed by other teams.”

When asked who their biggest competitors will be for a ninth league title in a row, Vilakazi has a simple answer: “Orlando Pirates.”

As for this weekend’s pivotal match, Vilakazi admits that for the first time in a while, it’s so close to predict who will go through.

“Pirates really ended the first leg so strong,” he says. However, despite that, his final prediction is that Sundowns will “go through” thanks to that precious away goal.

Fans can catch all the action from the MTN8 tournament live on Showmax Premier League.