Making history: Magesi FC’s unbelievable run in PSL continues as rookies make Carling Knockout final

Premier Soccer League rookies Magesi FC produced another piece of history in the Carling Knockout Cup by beating Richards Bay FC 1-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban yesterday to book their place in the final. 

For Magesi and their coach Clinton Larsen, this is a dream start to the Limpopo club’s first season in the elite league — winning three away cup matches to reach their first  final. They will meet either Mamelodi Sundowns or Marumo Gallants in the final on November 23 at Free State Stadium. 

However, yesterday it was the home side Bay that dominated play, with Tlakusani Mthethwa, Sommila Ntsundwana and Yanela Mbuthuma testing Magesi’s goalkeeper and skipper Elvis Chipezeze a couple of times before the visitors took the lead against the run of play.

Like they did in their previous wins in this competition against Orlando Pirates (2-3) and TS Galaxy (0-1),   Magesi  centred their game around the transitions. Tshepo Mashigo’s 27th minute goal came through the counter which forced Bay’s Tshepo Mabua to make a costly mistake.

Mabua’s poorly headed back pass was intercepted by Mashigo, who needed no extra touch to control the ball before unleashing it past Ian Otieno in the near post. 

Magesi always looked dangerous when breaking through via Delano Abrahams, Deolin Mekoa, Edmore Chirambadare and striker Wonderboy Makhubu.

Bay, who came to this match having scored only two goals in the previous eight matches in all competitions, continued with their wayward attacks in the second half. The home side did manage to get the ball into the visitors’ area, but their final pass was poor.

Chipezeze, who won another man-of-the-match accolade in this match, did well to deny Mbuthuma on the hour mark when Ntsundwana had managed to set his striking partner free. Chipezeze was at it again seven minutes later, this time the Zimbabwean gloveman producing a stupendous save to parry away Keagan Allan’s header after connecting well with Mabua’s cross.

“We’re here to serve our supporters who travelled all the way from Limpopo to support us. It’s a big moment for them in the first season in the topflight. It’s their dream and we try to make them happy,” said a beaming Chipezeze after the match.

Bay’s chances of getting an equaliser worsened when Mthethwa got his marching orders with seven minutes to go after receiving a second yellow card from referee Thando Ndzanzdeka.

Sundowns, the four-time winners of this cup,  will be favourites to beat Gallants at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Free State this afternoon. But with  the Carling Knockout being the cup of upsets, writing off Dan Malesela’s team  could be a big mistake.  

Magesi always looked dangerous when breaking through via Delano Abrahams, Deolin Mekoa, Edmore Chirambadare and striker Wonderboy Makhubu.

Bay, who came to this match having scored only two goals in the previous eight matches in all competitions, continued with their wayward attacking in the second half. The home side did manage to get the ball into the visitors' area, but their final pass was poor.

Chipezeze, who won another man-of-the-match accolade in this match, did well to deny Mbuthuma on the hour mark when Ntsundwana had managed to set his striking partner free.

Chipezeze was at it again seven minutes later, this time the Zimbabwean gloveman producing a stupendous save to parry away a Keegan Allan header after connecting well with Mabua's cross.

"We're here to serve our supporters who travelled all the way from Limpopo to support us. It's a big moment for them in the first season in the topflight. It's their dream and we try to make them happy," said a beaming Chipezeze after the match.

Magesi on the other hand were content with using the turnover balls to create their chances through the counter.

Bay's chances of getting an equaliser worsened when Mthethwa got his marching orders with seven minutes to go after receiving a second yellow card from referee Thando Ndzanzdeka.

Four-time winners of this cup Sundowns will be favourites to beat Gallants at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Free State this afternoon. But with this cup being the one of upsets, writing Dan Malesela's team completely could be a big mistake.