A David versus Goliath clash awaits as newly promoted Magesi FC is set to face 14-time league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their first-ever meeting for a chance to lift their first piece of silverware in the top-flight and bag R6,6-million in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Pressure will be on the Limpopo-based team as they will be partaking in their first final in the top tier against a club that is used to such high-pressure situations.
Magesi FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns | Saturday, 23 November | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | Kick-off 18:00
To win (90 min)
Magesi 6/1
Draw 3/1
Sundowns 4/10
Magesi FC
Dikwena tsa Meetse has proven to be a force to be reckoned with after eliminating Orlando Pirates from the competition following their 3-2 win in their last 16 match at Orlando Stadium. Magesi scored three goals in the first half, the Buccaneers tried to make a comeback in the second half, but the Limpopo side denied them the equalising goal and moved into the quarterfinal.
They were pitted against TS Galaxy in the last 8, Lehlogonolo Mokone’s 45th-minute goal secured their place in the semi-finals where they were drawn with KwaZulu-Natal side Richards Bay FC. Tshepo Mashigo’s early goal was enough for Clinton Larsen’s team to boot a spot in their first final.
Despite starting their Betway Premiership campaign with back-to-back losses, Magesi has managed to turn things around and has enjoyed a seven-match unbeaten run which includes four victories and three draws.
It is worth noting that they have played all their games in this cup away from home in hostile environments but have managed to attain victories despite the odds that were stacked against them. Larsen credits the team’s success to the fighting spirit of his players.
“I keep saying the players that we’ve got may not be the most talented group of individuals but an unbelievable fighting Spirit within this group and as a coach, I really appreciate it,” he said following their win against Richards Bay.
Veteran goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze who has scooped three Man of the Match awards for his impressive performances in this competition has been hailed together with Wonderboy Makhubu and Edmore Chirambadare.
Mamelodi Sundowns
The Brazilians on the other hand look to be getting back on track following a slow start to the season which saw them exiting the MTN8 Cup in the semi-finals following back-to-back defeats at the hands of Stellenbosch FC.
They have gone on to win eight games and experienced one loss in their past nine matches. They showed class on their road to the final which began with a 5-0 thrashing of Golden Arrows and they followed it with a 4-0 demolishing of Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinals.
Marumo Gallants were resilient in the semi-finals as the game looked to be ending 1-0 in favour of Sundowns after Lucas Ribeiro scored a penalty in the 53rd minute. Neo Maema who came in as a second-half substitute scored a last-minute cracker to seal the deal for his side.
Manqoba Mngqithi’s troops have scored eleven goals and are yet to concede a goal in their three matches in the competition while Magesi has conceded two goals and kept two clean sheets. This promises to be a low-scoring game as both sides have been solid at the back.
Peter Shalulile seems to have rediscovered his scoring boots and is expected to trouble the home side’s defence together with Iqraam Rayners and Ribeiro.
Prediction: Sundowns to win
When the season started some football fans expected the newly promoted side to produce a similar performance as that of Cape Town Spurs last season but to the surprise of many, they are doing better than several teams that have been in the top-flight for a while. However, I think Sundowns will get the better of them given their experience in such situations and the quality of the squad that they have.
Written by Siphesihle Soni