An “Exciting Challenge” Awaits Magesi FC in Carling Knockout Final

Magesi FC coach Clinton Larsen has compared playing Mamelodi Sundowns to facing South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, as several Sundowns players are integral to the national squad.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Carling Knockout final at the Free State Stadium (6pm), Larsen highlighted the formidable task his team faces. Sundowns boast six players—Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubass, Thapelo Morena, and Iqraam Rayners—who started in Bafana Bafana’s recent 3-0 win over South Sudan in Cape Town. Mokoena and Rayners even found the net during the match.

“It feels like we’re actually playing the national team,” Larsen said. “Six of Sundowns’ players were starters for Bafana, and if you look at Marcello Allende, Lucas Ribeiro, and Peter Shalulile, had they been South African, they’d probably be in the squad too. So, this is not just Sundowns; it’s like facing the national team. It’s an exciting challenge for us.”

While some suggest Magesi might have an edge since Sundowns’ key players were busy with international duty, Larsen quickly dismissed the idea.

“I disagree 1,000%,” he said firmly. “For the last decade, Sundowns have mastered the art of playing every three days and still winning. This is a team built to handle such schedules, and we’re under no illusions about the challenge ahead.”

Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Larsen expressed confidence in his squad’s mindset. He acknowledged the nervousness among some players, many of whom are playing their first match of such significance.

“The players look relaxed, but it’s normal for some nerves and anxiety to creep in. Around 90% of these boys have never played on a stage this big,” Larsen said. “That’s where we, as coaches and senior players, come in—to calm them, help them embrace the moment, and enjoy the occasion.”

With Larsen guiding the underdogs, Magesi FC aim to defy expectations against a Sundowns side brimming with talent and experience.