by NJABULO MKHIZE
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – GOLDEN Arrows produced one of the MTN8 Wafa Wafa Cup’s biggest statements by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 at FNB Stadium, while Sekhukhune United survived a seven-goal thriller against AmaZulu FC to keep their own title ambitions alive.
At the iconic Soweto venue, Arrows silenced the home crowd when Khulekani Shezi struck in the 53rd minute.
Chiefs dominated periods of the contest and pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Arrows’ disciplined defensive organisation held firm to secure a famous quarter-final victory.
The result is particularly significant given Chiefs’ stature in this competition.
The Amakhosi have won the MTN8 a record 15 times, although their last triumph came in 2014. Their early elimination means a long-awaited return to the trophy will have to wait.
Arrows, meanwhile, have demonstrated the qualities required in knockout football: defensive discipline, patience and the ability to punish opponents when an opening appears.
Their reward is a semi-final meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns, setting up a fascinating clash between an ambitious challenger and South Africa’s continental powerhouse.
In Durban, Chatsworth Stadium witnessed an even more extraordinary contest as Sekhukhune United edged AmaZulu FC 4–3.
Seven goals underline the attacking quality and sheer unpredictability of the tie, with Sekhukhune showing the composure needed to survive a match that repeatedly threatened to swing in either direction.
The victory makes Sekhukhune serious contenders.
Their ability to score four away from home, coupled with their resilience under pressure, suggests they possess enough attacking firepower to trouble any opponent remaining in the competition.
With the semi-final field taking shape, Mamelodi Sundowns remain the obvious benchmark.
The reigning continental champions have the deepest squad, considerable big-match experience and a proven ability to turn possession and pressure into goals.
Yet Arrows and Sekhukhune have already demonstrated why the MTN8 is known as *Wafa Wafa* – win or die. Neither side carries the same reputation as Sundowns, but both have momentum and belief.
Sundowns remain the strongest candidates to lift the trophy, but Golden Arrows and Sekhukhune United could make the final a far more unpredictable affair than many expected.
– CAJ News