Former Bloemfontein Celtic star Joel Mogorosi has shed light on the secret behind Clinton Larsen’s recent Carling Knockout Cup heroics with Magesi FC.
The newly-promoted side has managed to reach a major cup final in their first season in the top tier of SA football, with a cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns on the horizon.
A historic cup run has seen the Larsen-led team record big scalps along the way. Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay FC are headline casualties. Magesi, a club that was founded 13 years ago, booked their ticket to the final after a solitary Tshepo Mashigo goal eliminated Richards Bay in the semi-final.
Although the club’s cup run is regarded as a fairytale run, Mogorosi states that there is more to the team’s success than meets the eye. He credits the work done by Larsen behind the scenes as a key factor in their meteoric rise.
Mogorosi asserts that the underdog tag presents an environment where his former coach, Larsen, thrives. He further stated that the coach has a unique bond with his players, which helps him get the best out of them.
The ex-Celtic skipper scored the winning goal in the 2012 Telkom Knockout Cup final against Sundowns. Larsen was the Siwelele coach at the time. Telkom Knockout is now known as the Carling Knockout Cup.
MOGOROSI BACKS LARSEN TO INSPIRE MAGESI TO VICTORY
Furthermore, Mogorosi added that Clinton Larsen’s recent Carling Knockout Cup heroics with Magesi FC are down to his man management and not luck.
“He is a very good coach, but mainly, his player management is top level. It’s not by mistake that he has reached a cup final with Magesi FC,” said the former Botswana national team captain.
“It’s nice that it is against Mamelodi Sundowns again. The only things that have changed are his current club and the name of the tournament. Let’s see if history repeats itself.”
Meanwhile, Mogorosi acknowledged that facing Sundowns is a tall order. However, he also mentioned that Magesi’s players would be highly motivated for the November 23 final.
“You know, being the underdogs always gets the players motivated. Everyone wants to play. This presents a good selection headache for the coach [ahead of the game],” added Mogorosi.
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By Bongani Malunga
