There is euphoria in a cluster of villages in Moletji, about 30km north-west of Polokwane ahead of the Carling Knockout as local side Magesi FC prepare to take on the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The hugely unfancied Magesi made it to the final, igniting unprecedented excitement among the residents in the teams home village, Kgabo Park. Man are confident that their team will fare pretty well and finish their amazing cup run on an even sweeter note at the expense of Sundowns.
Chief Kgabo Moloto III has pledged Magesi the full support of the Moletji Traditional Council, encouraging its supporters to help fill the stadium on match day.
“My wish is that we travel to Free State by buses full of football-loving fans to go and support our team. This is a game we are looking forward to.
“I am told that some of the supporters are attending training matches to encourage the players. This club has put us on the football map, and we greatly support the team management, the technical staff and the players,” said Moloto.
Fans are planning to travel to the Free State en masse, as the team’s support structures are mobilising forces across Moletji and neighbouring villages around Polokwane.
Supporters’ coordinator Maropeng Molepo said since Magesi promotion to the elite league, they have been encouraging supporters to attend their matches, especially those played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
“This is our team, and we are going to support it through thick and thin. We are confident that they will remain in the premier league. The coach has good players who want to prove themselves and as supporters we are confident that they will remain in topflight football,” said Molepo.
Magesi go into this game chock-full of pomp and zeal, following their impressive run in the Betway Premiership League during 2024/25 season. This Limpopo-based outfit went on to snatch two slender victories against TS Galaxy and Richards Bay 1-0 respectively.
Known as Dikwena tsa Meetse produced a volcanic display of classical brand of football when they beat Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates 3-2 to emerge unexpectedly from the first round of the cup. It set the ball rolling for a dream run that will now culminate in the clash against Downs.
Coach Clinton Larsen said his charges wre looking forward to confronting the Brazilians in a match that has all the hallmarks of a swashbuckling encounter.
Larsen told Sunday World there was lot of enthusiasm and self-belief among players eager to prove their worth in the top flight. He said the team understood the gravity and pressure of playing against the Brazilians.
“We have had a good run since our promotion, but we are not going to be complacent. Sundowns have the best material in Africa. However, we are going to give them a good game. Everyone in the team is looking forward to this game. It is talking point at the training session.
“My boys are eager to play against one of the biggest teams in the continent. Sundowns have some of the best players to compete in the final, but we are ready to give them a run for their money.
“My players are hard at work, covering all the basics from defence, midfield and attack. We know that Sundowns is going to come out guns blazing, but we are going to unleash all artillery regiment,” said Larsen.
Magesi’s trump card has been their mix of youth and experience. The likes of veterans Edmore Chirambadare, Deolin Mekoa, Elvis Chipezeze and Limbikani Mzava have blended well with the youthful exuberance of players such as Wonderboy Makhubu, Tshepo Mashigo and Tumelo Njoti, whose careers are on the rise.
Truth be told, they are going to have a torrid afternoon when they meet Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalule, Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena for the first time since they were promoted.
