Larsen Inspired By The 2012 TKO Triumph, Eyes Another History
Magesi coach Clinton Larsen has reflected on his Bloemfontein Celtics glory days while expressing that he counts on the Siwelele faithful to back his side.
The Limpopo side is preparing for an attempt at a monumental feat as they set to face Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final on Saturday (18:00).
The Magesi gaffer, Larsen will be having a second go at South Africa’s official league cup having previously won it in another David versus Goliath clash when Bloem Celtics faced Sundowns.
The 53-year-old led Siwelele to a slender 1-0 victory over Masandawa, clinching his first and sole major trophy in 2012 in his career.
Addressing the press ahead of Magesi’s historic clash over the weekend, Larsen confirmed that he has been using his Carling Cup success as a point of reference to inspire optimism at the Magesi camp.
“Yeah, we use that moment in history to try to get them to understand that this is possible, even though in my humble opinion, this Sundowns team is stronger than the team of 2012,” explained Larsen.
The former Golden Arrows coach further expanded in saying, “But in saying so, we use those types of situations to say that there have been many occasions where the underdog has triumphed. On many occasions in world football and South African football and as long as that has happened, Magesi football club will always have a chance to create the biggest upset in football history.”
Despite the non-existent structures of Celtic, with the club having sold its top-flight status to Royal AM ahead of the 2021/22 season, supporters have maintained the club’s legacy, rocking up at the stadiums in their former team’s regalia to support other teams, former coaches, and players.
With the game set to take place at the iconic Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, the former Celtics tactician expressed that he will be counting on Siwelele faithful to count as the 12thman behind him as he looks to defy the odds.
“Definitely, and I know we will get a lot of support because I have been getting a lot of calls from the supporters of the Siwelele faithful. You know when I went back there with Arrows, I will never forget, and I have seen the same happen to coach Steve Komphela and some former players who go back,” asserted Larsen.
The former Chippa United manager further reflected on a heartfelt memory he once shared with Celtic fans who have always been famous for their passionate singing in the stands.
“You know when you have good moments with that club they never forget you and I had a very special moment in my life when I went back with Arrows and they called me in front of The Bishop’s stand and sang my name and that memory will go down with me for the rest of my life,” he reflected.
Wary of the difficult task at hand, Larsen looks to be prepared to give all it takes to repeat history, taking down the same giant to clinch only his second major PSL trophy come Saturday afternoon.
Robin-Duke is in Bloemfontein courtesy of Primo Sports
