We mustn’t take Magesi lightly, warns Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa

Ahead of Saturday’s Carling Knockout final at Free State Stadium (6pm), Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa has warned it would be suicidal for his side to think it will be a walk in the park against Magesi.

Sundowns head into the final as overwhelming favourites, but Lebusa feels it will not be as easy as many think.

Magesi have developed a reputation as giant killers ahead of the decider. They eliminated Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay to reach this stage, with all their matches away.

It is for this reason Lebusa is cautious.

“I think it will be suicidal to think they are a small team. Them being in the final speaks volumes, so we have to give them respect and we have to acknowledge what they have done to reach the final,” he said.

“We have to respect them and at the same time not neglect the quality we have. We are going there with our guns blazing to make sure we put our hands on the trophy.”

Lebusa said they were fully aware this was their best chance to win a domestic trophy after losing the Nedbank Cup in May.

“Every season we set goals for ourselves, and I think this is one we can achieve.

"This morning [Wednesday] we did a video session about Magesi, trying to see what we can exploit, and we will definitely give them the respect they deserve. Finals are very tricky, and we have to bring our A-game. It is going to be a tough one.”

Lebusa, 32, feels it will be important to kill the game early and said their defence will have to be on top of their game all the time.

“It is always good to kill the game early but I think the most important one will be rest defence. When they break away, they make sure they isolate the defenders.

“I think the rest defence is going to come in handy and make sure we don’t lose balls in dangerous areas."

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