Richards Bay FC head coach Brandon Truter has pointed out why Magesi FC should be considered the favourites to progress to the final of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The two sides will face off in the semi-final on Saturday, 9 October, at the King Zwelithini Stadium at 3PM, vying for a historic spot in the final.
Neither club has ever reached a top-flight cup final, making this encounter a significant milestone for both. Truter has positioned his side as underdogs against Clinton Larsen’s Magesi.
He attributes Magesi’s strong position to their recent impressive performances, including a first-round knockout of Orlando Pirates in this competition and a draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.
BRANDON TRUTER EXPLAINS WHY RICHARDS ARE UNDERDOGS AGAINST MAGESI
“I think Magesi are favourites, beating Pirates and getting results against Chiefs as well,” said Truter.
“So, Clinton has done fantastically well with the team in promoting them. And I wouldn’t say they have punched above the weight, but they have shown that after the Pirates game, it wasn’t a fluke.
“So, they have results at this moment, that makes them the favourites. For us what counts at this moment is that we are home and we have our supporters, the whole KZN behind us.”
Asked how they’re hoping to overcome the opponents, Truter said they need to find a way to neutralise Wonderboy Makhubu, who’s a key player for the Limpopo outfit.
He further noted the importance of securing an early goal to create a more dynamic and open game.
HOW RICHARDS BAY ARE PLANNING TO OVERCOME MAGESI
“Clinton is coming here with an experienced team, with an organisation and structure as well,” added Truter. “They play from there in Wonderboy Makhubu, where another KZN boy is joining them in that attack.
“I think if we can manage that, half the battle is won. But the battle is within our lack of goals and our decision-making in the last third. I’m hopeful that we get it right this weekend.
“If we score early against them, they have to open up and break out, and that compromises their structure.
“That will then give us another opportunity to add [more goals]. But the key for us is to score early or to score first, that will open up the game.”
RELATED STORY: Brandon Truter attributes Richards Bay’s slump to ‘lack of quality’
