Magesi win will provide major confidence boost

Victorious Magesi coach Clinton Larsen said his side’s shock 3-2 away win over Orlando Pirates in their Carling Knockout first round tie at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday would come as a massive confidence boost.

The rookies held on in a dramatic finish for victory after Pirates stormed back into the game from 3-2 down.

“As expected, it was a very difficult game against the quality team, but I thought in the first half our game plan was executed to perfection. We wanted to remain compact. We knew that opportunities would arise from that, with the turnovers of possession and the space left in behind, and we, I think, deservedly, took the lead, Larsen explained.

“What was important was for us to be clinical. And I thought that's exactly what we were. We took our chances very, very well. But my fear was always that when you poke the bear, you must be careful of what's going to come. 

“Exactly what I warned my players at halftime happened, the opponent gets one goal back, the crowd gets behind them, it's going to be back to the wall stuff. I said to the coach (Jose Riveiro) after the game the better team lost today.”

But the win, which followed their opening four games of the Betway Premiership season where they scored a single goal but picked up four points would give the whole club a lift, added the coach. 

“Looking at the way we started the league, we lost our first two and confidence was low. Then we went away to (Lamontville Golden) Arrows and won and the following game drew against Royal AM, and all of a sudden, the belief grew. 

“And I think backing up those two positive league results with victory in the cup will do so much for the confidence of the players. You know, I say sometimes they're like deers in the headlight. It's the first time they're playing on these stages, first time rubbing shoulders with national team players. And I understand that as a former footballer. I've kept reminding them, we've all started this way. You've got to start somewhere, but you've got to learn quickly, grow quicker in the game and not be swallowed up. And I think with each game that we play, lessons are learned,” Larsen added.