A triumphant celebration by Magesi FC winning Carling Black Label Cup. Image: Magesi Foodball Club.
(The Post News)- Toyota Stadium in Free State welcomed Magesi “Electricity” FC and Mamelodi Sundowns for the Carling Black Label Cup final. Electricity FC has seen a positive turn around since the appointment of Clinton Larsen, whereas Clhoorkop-based FC has faced challenges since the appointment of Manqoba Mnqithi as head coach.
According to Magesi FC coach Clinton Larsen, playing in the cup final inspired the subsequent upset, which saw the underdog team defeat the Orlando Pirates in Orlando and tie with the Kaizer Chiefs. The Limpopo-based team overcame a goal deficit at halftime to defeat their Tshwane opponents 2-1 and win the trophy. Larsen stated he was aware of Electricity FC’s demise before the game began. Larsen went on to say that he understands how competitive his team can be and that if his team’s confidence was a “fairytale,” they would have suffered a significant loss considering the team they were competing against.
He explained that not going into the break level was really frustrating because they wanted strikes from outside the box, which is what happened in the other two opportunities. Following their strategy, Magesi let Sundowns have the majority of the possession before hitting them with counterattackers. Larsen also explained why he insisted on this tactic, which resulted in goals from Delano Abrahams and Tshepo Kakora. He said, “We were aware that was the best course of action, and we had some excellent opportunities to catch them during the break, but it did not work out.”
Furthermore, the coach noted that he believes they needed to play a little tougher and with more bravery in the second half, adding that when their players work on something during practice and it pays off in the end, it is extremely satisfying and makes coaches very happy. He also expressed his admiration for the players’ execution of the two goals that originated on the training field.
During the match, the Zimbabwean-born goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze, did not disappoint, as he made several saves to keep his club on the field. He even claimed the R100 000 for the man of the match, which he has done in all the games in the Carling Black Lablle. “Credit must be given to Chipezeze again. It’s probably one of the strongest things I’ve ever had in football in my coaching career. Where a goalkeeper of champions is the Man of the Match in four consecutive matches of the competition up until they win the competition,” said the Masandawana coach.
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