Truter On Titanic Clash With Magesi: I Looked Up To Larsen
Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter has revealed that he looked up to Magesi coach Clinton Larsen as he climbed the ranks of South African football.
Truter’s Bay will face Larsen’s Magesi in the Carling Knockout Cup semifinal at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday. This is a significant match, especially for Larsen, who has a strong connection to the venue.
Larsen previously led Bloemfontein Celtic to a memorable Carling Knockout Cup victory in 2012/13, where they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in a controversial match often referred to as the “ghost goal” incident at Moses Mabhida Stadium. He has also coached Maritzburg United and Golden Arrows in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Larsen took over as Magesi coach in January 2023 and guided the club to promotion to the top flight at the end of last season. Magesi has already made a strong impression in the Carling Knockout, eliminating Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy.
“Clinton was always one of the coaches I looked up to as a coach coming through the system,” said Truter.
“He represents KZN as a local coach. He is coming to Durban and he wants to pull one over us, but for us, we are here, we want to ride on that along the backing of the support at home.
“The Magesi team that Larsen has put together, it shows experience with the organisation that we have seen, and the structure as well. They play on a front foot with Wonderboy Makhubu who is from KZN up top. I think if we can manage that, half of the battle is won.
“But I’m concerned with the lack of goals, our decision-making in the last third has not been great, but I’m hoping that we get it right this weekend because if you score early, that means they will open to up and break out and that compromises their structure.
“That gives us another opportunity to add but the key for us is to score early and that will open the game.”
To reinforce Truter’s point, Bay has yet to score from open play in this competition.
This is the second consecutive semifinal appearance in the Carling Knockout for Bay. Last season, they lost to champions Stellenbosch. Now, they have the chance to go one step further and reach the final.
“What is the cup bringing, it is an opportunity for Richards Bay to make some history,” said Truter.
“And also, to make the province of KZN proud and that opportunity is presented to the boys.
“But with our preparation so far, the cup game brings different atmosphere, it brings some enthusiasm, it refreshes some sort of muscles.
“I’m happy with the application, and no major concerns. We welcome back Yanela Mbuthuma from suspension and of course, we will be without Langa Mhlongo (who was sent off last weekend against Cape Town City), but everybody is ready to go in putting their hands up.”
