Golden Arrows are the only KwaZulu-Natal side still standing in the 2026 MTN8, keeping the province’s hopes of lifting the trophy alive after AmaZulu and Durban City were both eliminated in the quarter-finals.
KZN entered this season’s competition with three representatives, but it is Arrows who have gone the furthest after edging Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 in their quarter-final at FNB Stadium. AmaZulu were knocked out by Sekhukhune United following a dramatic 4–3 extra-time defeat, while Durban City fell 2–1 to Orlando Pirates.
The achievement is significant for a province that has endured a difficult run in the competition in recent seasons. Golden Arrows’ progression to the semi-finals marks a return to the last four after KZN sides failed to advance beyond the quarter-final stage in the previous two editions.
Now, Arrows face one of their biggest tests yet as they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a two-legged semi-final, beginning this Sunday at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The return leg will be played at King Zwelithini Stadium on 30 August.
For Arrows, there is also history to draw inspiration from.
The club’s greatest MTN8 moment came in 2009, when they produced one of the competition’s most memorable finals by dismantling Ajax Cape Town 6–0 at Orlando Stadium. It was Golden Arrows’ first major trophy and remains their only MTN8 title.
More than a decade later, Arrows have another opportunity to put themselves within touching distance of the trophy.
A place in the final would not only give Golden Arrows a chance to end their long wait for another MTN8 triumph, but could also see the Durban-based side restore KZN’s presence at the summit of the competition.
With AmaZulu and Durban City already out, the responsibility now rests solely on Golden Arrows.
Could this be Arrows’ chance to recreate their 2009 magic?
image: Golden Arrows