20 November 2019, by: Leonard Solms

Telkom Knockout Predictions: Semi-Finals

Golden Arrows host Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in the first Telkom Knockout semi-final before Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs face off on Sunday in the second.

We have seen seven penalty shootouts from 12 fixtures so far at this tournament, so an easy ride cannot be expected for any team. Nevertheless, Chiefs and Sundowns are expected to prevail with the Ernst Middendorp vs. Pitso Mosimane rivalry tipped for yet another twist.

Golden Arrows beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 in the league at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. They will be looking for a repeat in the Telkom Knockout.

Sundowns are likely to be fired up for this encounter, but Steve Komphela is a wise coach and will no doubt be anticipating a backlash from Mosimane’s men.

The Masandawana mentor will be hoping to have Themba Zwane and Gaston Sirino back from injury for this crunch clash with Abafana Bes’thende. Sundowns have not won a domestic cup since the 2015 Telkom Knockout, so there will be no shortage of motivation for this fixture.

Divine Lunga’s injury over the international break will no doubt have caused concern for Arrows, but they have proven themselves to be an adaptable outfit so far this season.

Ultimately, Sundowns’ hunger for cup glory is expected to see them over the line in a thrilling encounter, tipped to go all the way to penalties.

Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United are both in red hot form, adding to the excitement ahead of Sunday’s clash at Mbombela Stadium.

Amakhosi were eliminated in last year’s Telkom Knockout semi-finals by fierce rivals Orlando Pirates. They gained their revenge on the Buccaneers in this year’s quarter-finals, but although they won the battle, the war is still up for grabs.

Chiefs have not won a major trophy since lifting the 2015 Premiership title. Should they win on Sunday, they will go within one step of ending that drought.

Daniel Akpeyi, Willard Katsande and Erick Mathoho are all suspended for Kaizer Chiefs, while the injured Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Kearyn Baccus have been attempting to work their way towards full fitness over the international break.

Maritzburg United are unbeaten in seven matches, but Kaizer Chiefs have quality in abundance and the depth to deal with injury and suspension.

Amakhosi are tipped for a narrow win with former Maritzburg United mentor Middendorp predicted to face fierce rival Mosimane in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

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