Magesi FC head coach Clinton Larsen has drawn parallels between Bloemfontein Celtic’s Telkom Knockout success and his current team’s run in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Magesi downed Richards Bay FC 1-0 on the road on Saturday to book the spot in the final.
They will take on either Mamelodi Sundowns or Marumo Gallants, who will face off in the other semi-final on Sunday, 9 November in Bloemfontein.
Larsen noted that the path to the final has been tough for his side as they played all their matches away from home. This experience is reminiscent of his time with former employers Bloemfontein Celtic in 2012, when they also played away in both the round of 16 and the semi-final.
In that season, Siwelele managed to eliminate the mighty Orlando Pirates in the semi-final. In a similar vein, Magesi knocked out the Buccaneers, but in the first round this time.
Larsen is optimistic that history will repeat itself, recalling that Celtic went on to defeat Sundowns in the final.
LARSEN SEES MAGESI’S CARLING RUN MIRRORING CELTIC’S TKO SUCCESS
“It hasn’t been an easy [journey] to the final,” said Larsen after the Bay match. “In some ways, it reminds me of our 2012 win with Bloemfontein Celtic, where we played Pirates in the quarters; we went away to Free State Stars and won 1-0 there in Bethlehem.
“And then Sundowns in the final. It’s a similar run of games, quality opposition right through.”
Larsen stated that their fighting spirit and teamwork enabled them to reach the final, even though they were perceived as underdogs in the competition.
LARSEN – ‘TWO THINGS GOT US TO FINAL’
“But like I keep saying, there’s two things that got us to this point,” he added. “The one thing is the fighting spirit. And the second part, which is my job, is to get this team organised.
“And the players have bought in to the way we want to defend, unbelievable pressing for 90 minutes.
“I thought that [Tholang] Mashigo, Wonderboy Makhubu, [Edmore] Chirambandare, [Deolin] Mekoa, [Tshepo] Kakora, unbelievable effort from those attacking players. I’m talking defensive efforts.
“Often coaches complain attacking players don’t defend. I can’t complain. I’m very blessed to have players with such great attitude when they don’t have the ball.
“That has gotten us to where we are. Credit to the players for that.”
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