Oswin Appollis among eight key players who could define their teams’ search for MTN8 glory

Athini Maqokolo of AmaZulu FC and Oswin Appollis of Orlando Pirates expected to light up the MTN8 quarter-finals. The MTN8 will return on the weekend of August 8, offering not only a lucrative winning prize of R10 million and maiden silverware, but a chance for eight teams to set the tone for the rest of the season. That’s why below we look at a player who’ll be key for each team in the tournament.

Appollis is expected to be Pirates’ main man this season. He must help his team defend their silverware, starting with the MTN8.A successful MTN8 defencewould mark a record-extending fifth title in a row. Over the years, the attacker has shown that he has a big-match temperament.

He has a knack for goal, can weave past his markers, and can turn on the heat for his team whenever the chips are down. Sundowns uncharacteristically endured a barren domestic run last season, including missing out on the coveted Betway Premiership title, which they surrendered to Orlando Pirates following an eight-year stranglehold. They need to flex their muscles yet again this season on home soil, starting with the MTN8.

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That’s why they’ll look to their marksman León for goals. The Colombian has natural goal-scoring instincts and can score from all sorts of angles. Chiefs are currently under the new tenure of coach Fernando da Cruz. The Frenchman is expected to bring back the glory days at the club, winning trophies including the MTN8, which they have won a record 15 times.

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