Larsen Praises Magesi Fighting Spirit After Reaching Carling Knockout Final
Magesi FC coach Clinton Larsen has praised his side’s fighting spirit after they secured a place in the Carling Knockout final with a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
A defensive error by Richards Bay’s Tshepo Mabua allowed Tshepo Mashigo to intercept the ball and score the decisive goal in the 27th minute.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Magesi, who have been consistently impressive throughout the competition, winning all their away matches. Their promotion to the PSL last season has been followed by this remarkable cup run.
Larsen, who previously won the Carling Knockout with Bloemfontein Celtic, has once again guided a team to the final. This is a second consecutive semi-final exit for Richards Bay.
“I supposed not to the prettiest of semi-final from both teams,” said Larsen after the game.
“I knew from the start that it was going to be a scrappy affair and possibly it could have been won in one moment or one mistake and it came down in that at the end.
“I thought in the first half, since we were away from home, we didn’t want concede and we ticked that box going into the first half.
“It could have been 2-0 before they got the first break with the ball from Edmore Chirambandare and Deolin Mekoa. When we miss that, you always get that feeling that this is an opportunity for the opponent to come back into the game.
“As expected, the home team had to throw everything at us and we kept them out.
“I’m very happy for the club, for the chairman for the supporters of the team. But, like I keep saying, the players that we have got, may not be the most talented, but an unbelievable fighting spirit in this group and as a coach, I really appreciate that.
“I accepted that we have deficiencies in all departments, but one thing that we are not lacking is a fighting spirit and a strong bond in the group, it is a reason why we are where we are.”
Magesi will face the winner of the Marumo Gallants vs. Mamelodi Sundowns semi-final at Toyota Stadium on 23 November. The other semi-final between Gallants and Sundowns will be played at Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday.
