Magesi crowned their maiden topflight season with an historic 2–1 triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday to secure the Carling Knockout Cup. SBN looks at three key take aways from the final.
Elvis Chipezeze – The biggest winner
Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze emerged as the star of the show. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament, including a series of crucial saves against top-tier opposition, earned him the Man of the Match award in every appearance in the competition.
This impressive feat not only secured him a place in Carling Knockout football history but also a substantial R400,000 in bonus money.
Mamelodi Sundowns – The biggest looser
Mamelodi Sundowns fell 2-1 to underdogs Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final, as coach Manqoba Mngqithi lamented missed chances and defensive errors. The serial league champions have now lost three cup finals in the past two seasons.
During the 2023/24 season, Orlando Pirates dispatched Sundowns on penalties in the final of the MTN8. The Soweto Giants followed that up with a 2 – 1 victory over the Brazilians in the Nedbank Cup, courtesy of a Relebohile Mofokeng winner soon before the full time whistle.
Under pressure Down boss Manqoba Mngqithi will be juggling multiple competitions, including the CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the Betway Premiership.
Magesi – A bogey team for South African football giants
This was not the first time that the Clinton Larsen-coached side caught the eye. Indeed, on their Carling Knockout debut, Magesi found themselves three goals up against Orlando Pirates before the half time whistle.
They followed that up with a positive result against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership, where they lead until the final quarter of the match. Their triumph over Sundowns marked a historic moment for the Limpopo based outfit, who claimed silverware in their debut season in South Africa’s top-flight league.