Magesi sends ‘warning’ to Bucs before Carling KO tie

As one of the key fixtures in Round 16 of the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup this weekend, Magesi sent out a strong warning to Orlando Pirates as the two sides prepare for battle at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

The Buccaneers are among the most in-form teams in South Africa at the moment, after recording three victories from three matches in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership.

In fact, Pirates are unbeaten in 11 matches played this season and head into their next Cup assignment on an impressive five-match winning streak.

The Buccaneers last featured in the MTN8 final where they clinched their first bit of silverware of the season following a 3-1 win against Stellenbosch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 5 October.

While Pirates sit in second position behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league, Magesi are currently dangling in 12th place.

Clinton Larsen and his troops have struggled to yield positive results recently, bagging one win, two draws and two defeats in each of their last handful of fixtures across the board.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking ahead of the game, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro explained that he will not be taking Magesi lightly and that they will lean on their Cup experience this weekend.

“We are playing our fourth competition in a space of two-and-a-half months, and we will go in with the same intentions as any other competition,” Riveiro said.

“We are talking about a team that is doing fairly well in the league. They just got recently promoted, and they are one of the clubs that have worked their way up through the divisions to end up playing in the PSL.

“We are prepared for this game. We know we are not going to play an easy game.

“It is a knockout game, and only one of the teams will be in the next round, but anything is possible in 90 minutes.

“We respect Magesi and all our other opponents, but we have a lot of experience in this type of game – we don’t need anyone to tell us how tough it will be.”

 On the other end of the spectrum, Magesi Chief Executive Officer John Mathibe issued a challenge to the Soweto giants.

“I’m warning Pirates. We have a lot of respect for them, and we, as Magesi FC, would like to congratulate them on their recent victory as MTN8 champions,” Mathibe said.

“Dikwena Tša Meetse is taking this game seriously, and we are in a position to make history. It’s about everything that we have worked for; our players have an opportunity to grow as professionals, and Magesi FC will be taking the brand to another level.

“I want to promise The Chief of Moletjie, his Majesty Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III (K3), and our supporters that we will give everything that we have on the day.

“To our esteemed chairman and his family, we want to make you proud. As for Pirates, they have a reputation to protect, but we are ready.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates: Patrick Maswanganyi – Regarded as one of the best players in the PSL at the moment, fans will no doubt expect Maswanganyi to express himself at the Orlando Stadium tomorrow. Magesi will have to keep a keen eye on the attacking midfielder, who can cause damage with his trickery between the lines.

Magesi: Kgaogelo Sekgota – As one of Magesi’s most experienced players currently, the former Kaizer Chiefs winger will likely be the go-to man in attack for Magesi on Saturday. Known for his powerful running, Sekgota will be a vital component in getting the ball into the danger zone from wide areas on the pitch.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first competitive meeting of Orlando Pirates and Magesi FC.