Pick of the sport: The domestic season kicks off with fireworks as Pirates and Sundowns enter the MTN8 battlefield for cup glory, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
The wait is over for South African football fans as the MTN8 roars back into action this weekend. Orlando Pirates begin their title defence on Saturday against Polokwane City, followed by Sekhukhune United hosting TS Galaxy under the lights.
On Sunday, Stellenbosch FC meet AmaZulu before giants Mamelodi Sundowns take on Richards Bay in a high-stakes clash at Loftus. With a trophy on the line and pride at stake, expect plenty of goals, drama and upsets as the top eight go to war.
MTN8 Quarter-finals
Saturday, 2 August
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City – 15:00
Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy – 18:00
Sunday, 3 August
Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu – 15:00
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Richards Bay – 18:00
➤ Meanwhile, in the rugby world, the Currie Cup resumes alongside a huge showdown between the British & Irish Lions and the Wallabies. The Lions are desperate to bounce back in their tour of Australia, while local fans can enjoy a triple-header of domestic rugby featuring Bulls vs Sharks, Lions vs Province, and the Cheetahs in Friday night action.
Currie Cup + British & Irish Lions
Friday, 1 August
Toyota Cheetahs XV vs Airlink Pumas – 19:00
Saturday, 2 August
Australia vs British & Irish Lions – 12:00
Fidelity ADT Lions vs DHL Western Province – 15:00
Vodacom Bulls vs Hollywoodbets Sharks XV – 17:10
Sunday, 3 August
Suzuki Griquas vs Boland Kavaliers – 15:00
➤ And in Hungary, the Formula 1 championship continues with Round 14 at the Hungaroring. As the drivers hit the twisty circuit in Budapest, practice and qualifying will be key to setting up Sunday’s all-important race. Expect fireworks in the midfield and another big test for the title contenders.
Formula 1: Hungarian Grand Prix
Saturday, 2 August
Qualifying – 16:00
Sunday, 3 August
Race – 15:00
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City at the MTN8 launch.
Image source: @orlandopirates
