WeeklySA_AdminFACOURITES: Sundowns look set another trophy in the cabin
By Masoja Cele
Mamelodi Sundowns are the overwhelming favourites for the second edition of the grand Carling Black Label final against Magesi FC at Toyota Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein. The gigantic clash will be played on Saturday. Kick-off 18:00.
Even though the Brazilians hold the favourite tag no team or match is easy. True, the Tshwane giants have been a dominant force in our football for more than a decade. However, they would have to threat cautiously against Magesi as football can be cruel at times. On their road to the Carling final, Sundowns thumped Lamontville Golden Arrows 5-1, punished Kaizer Chiefs with a comfortable 4-0 and a hard fought 2-0 at Marumo Gallants, proving once more their dominance in South African football.
Downs boast the magnitude talent like midfield hard man Teboho ‘’Tebza’’Mokoena, the rock solid defender Mthobi Mvala, the overlapping right back Khuliso ‘’Sailor’’ Mudau, Thapelo’’Matrapa’’Morena, Grant Kekana and Bathusi Aubaas, all Bafana Bafana internationals. The above mentioned players can destroy any opposition when inform. Coach Manqoba Mnqithi’s team also boast another Bafana international Ronwen Williams. The World renowned goalkeeper is solely capable of winning matches with his agility goalkeeping. Williams, bravery has turned the Chloorkop team rock solid at the back. The short stopper might be a difference between Magesi and Sundowns.
In their first season in top flight football, Magesi have undergone a remarkable turn-about in their footballing fortunes rising from the minnows in local football to be the giant killers. The Limpopo side performance turned the tourney into a masterpiece, creating a lot of interest and enthusiasm. Dikwena TsaMeetse fairy tale in the Black Carling Cup began against the inform Orlando Pirates. Magesi brushed aside Bucs with a 3-2 at home, followed with a 1-0 win against TS Galaxy away and a flushed Richards Bay 1-0 in KZN. A remarkable feat. The acquisition of the right players by the management has turned the club into a formidable ensemble. Just to reach the final it’s a landmark for the Limpopo side.
Led by the modest coach Clinton Larson, The Blue Nation have raised eyebrows with their scintillating football. Larson and his technical team have brought considerable success to the Magesi team. All of that, of course didn’t came that easy, certainly with a lot of sacrifices. Dikwena TsaMeetse has so far gone 7 successive matches without a loss in all competitions. The Limpopo team are eager to turn the tables against the opposition. To achieve that though, they will have to bring a master plan to unsettle Downs.
Coach Larsen will dispatch a team that will give the Tshwane side a hard run on the field. Regular players like the exciting winger Wonderboy Makhubu, the free scoring Edmore Chirambadare, Kgaogelo Sekgota and Deolin Mekoa will be expected to unsettle the visitors defence. Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze will go out to claim his fourth individual accolade. Chipezeze vein of form has won him three Man of the Match award in the Carling Knockout stages.
It is hard to at this juncture to say who will be crowned the new Carling Black Label Champions but you can count on Bafana Ba Style to wrestle the cup.
