The Mamelodi Sundowns’ superior goal scoring rate gives them the edge over debutant Magesi FC going into the Carling Knockout Cup’s final showdown. They will face off in Bloemfontein’s Toyota Stadium on Saturday, 23 November, for the coveted trophy.
The Brazilians’ (Sundowns) strike rate is 11 goals in three matches of the tournament, with Magesi only managing four in the same number of games played.
The ability of the Sundowns players to convert goal-scoring opportunities was made memorable with their 5 – 0 demolition of the Lamontville Golden Arrows in the first round; a 4 – 0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the quarterfinal of the championship; and a 2 – 0 win against the local outfit, Marumo Gallants, in the semifinal.
Magesi’s biggest scoreline is 3 – 2, against Orlando Pirates in the first round of the championship.
Defensively, the rookie Dikwena tsa Meetse (Magesi) have proven to be well-organised, having conceded just two goals against Pirates.
The Brazilians are yet to concede in the competition, which has produced 36 goals thus far. The goals exclude games in which the winners were decided via penalties.
The Sundowns players are the biggest contributors to the goal tally of the competition. However, both teams’ ability to score will be put to the test in Saturday’s pulsating final.
The two head coaches, Clinton Larsen of Magesi and Manqoba Mngqithi of Sundowns, are optimistic about their troops’ capability of unleashing their best in the final face-off.
Mngqithi has underscored his players’ fire power, confirming their ability to convert scoring opportunities they create as making a big difference in the club’s quest for cup glory.
His team is striving to win its first major trophy under his tenure since the recent departure of the former coach, Rhulani Mokwena.
Larsen highlights the tenacity of his young warriors to leave their mark on football history, illustrated by their sheer determination in reaching the tournament’s final stage. He has underlined their appetite for success as the motivating factor.
Larsen says he draws inspiration from the 2012 achievement when he won his maiden major trophy as coach with Phunya Sele Sele (Bloemfontein Celtic), after beating Sundowns 1 – 0 in the Telkom Knockout Cup final played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Tickets for Saturday are available at R50 at Ticketpro outlets nationwide, or online at ticketpro.co.za.
