Carling KO champs eye Nedbank Cup glory

After claiming the Carling Knockout Cup last year, Magesi will now commence their bid to bag the Nedbank Cup this week, beginning with a Round of 32 clash against SuperSport United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Currently sitting at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table, Magesi are hoping to use their Cup charm once more this season.

Nevertheless, Magesi head into their Round of 32 Nedbank Cup assignment on the back of a 2-1 loss against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on the 22nd of January. Prior to their defeat against Downs, Magesi suffered five losses in each of their last six league encounters.

More alarmingly however, Magesi last tasted victory in the league on the 26th of September 2024, following a 1-0 win against Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium.

While Magesi aim to claw their way back into form, SuperSport have been enduring battles of their own.

Currently on a two-match losing streak, Matsatsantsa bagged just two wins in their last handful of games in the Betway Premiership.

Ironically, SuperSport’s most recent win came in the form of a 1-0 result against Magesi at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on the 14th of December 2024. As it stands, SSU sit in 9th position in the league after accumulating just 16 points from 14 matches played so far.

WHAT WAS SAID

Following Magesi’s recent loss to Sundowns, coach Owen da Gama believes that his side can turn their fortunes around despite playing under a great deal of pressure.

"The boys are playing with a lot of pressure, when you are down there, there is pressure and these boys are fighting to get out there and they are putting too much pressure on themselves," Da Gama said.

"I think if we can work hard and continue with what we did in the first half, putting pressure on the ball, I think we will start to make a good impression in the league."

With SuperSport opening their cheque-book in the January transfer window, coach Gavin Hunt explained that he has a specific plan for the newly acquired Chirstian Saile.

“I know that we need him and I’ll use him differently from a football perspective but these type of deals are complicated,” Hunt said.

“With [Tashreeq] Morris, he found a great club [joining Kaizer Chiefs] and it’s a great opportunity. It’s a life experience for him and he’s going where they certainly going to need him and I’m sure he’ll do a good job for them.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Magesi: Deolin Mekoa – With Magesi in desperate need of a victory, Mekoa’s experience will no doubt come in handy as they look to play through their barren spell. The midfielder’s energy in the middle of the park could trouble the SSU backline, especially when making late runs into the area.

SuperSport United: Samir Nurkovic – As a player yet to fully kick on for SSU, Nurkovic could look to the Magesi game to restart his 24/25 campaign. Known for his physical presence and penalty area IQ, the Magesi centre-backs will be in for a busy evening should the Serbian striker get the nod tomorrow evening.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first cup meeting of Magesi FC and SuperSport United

Last league result

2024/25 SuperSport United 1-0 Magesi FC