Magesi FC coach Clinton Larsen has likened meeting Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout final to taking on Bafana Bafana.
The Betway Premiership newbies will take on Sundowns in a historic final at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.
It is a first-ever cup final for the Limpopo club, who were promoted to the Premiership at the beginning of the season after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship. They head into the final after victories against Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay FC, which were all away games.
“We are up against a formidable opponent. It feels like we are actually playing the national team,” said Larsen on Wednesday as Magesi continued their preparation to face Sundowns.
CLINTON LARSEN EXPLAINS WHY FACING MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IS LIKE TAKING ON BAFANA BAFANA
“Last night [Tuesday], I watched six starters from the Sundowns team on the national team and a few on the bench. If you look at [ Marcelo] Allende, [Lucas] Ribeiro, and [Peter] Shalulile, had they been South African, they would probably be in the national team too.
“So you are not just playing Sundowns. It’s like you are playing against the national team, and that’s what makes this challenge exciting for the club.”
MAGESI FC COACH DISAGREES THAT THEIR CARLING KNOCKOUT OPPONENTS ARE NOT RESTED
With Sundowns having many players away on international duty on Tuesday, Magesi had all their players in camp. Larsen has played down suggestions that Magesi will be a well-rested side ahead of the match.
“I disagree 1000 per cent. Sundowns, for the last 10 years, have mastered the art of playing every three days, and they have been winning. So, what’s going to change this time around?
“In terms of the mood, we are very happy. The players looked relaxed even though there might be some nerves and anxiousness, which is normal because 90 per cent of these boys have never played in a game of this magnitude. So it’s normal for them to have a bit of anxiety. But that’s what we are here for coaches and senior players as well.”
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