Larsen urges his side to be ‘fearless’ ahead of Betway Premiership debut

Magesi coach Clinton Larsen believes his side should take the challenge of competing in the Betway Premiership in their stride as the Limpopo-based outfit prepare to do battle with Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Sekhukhune already have minutes under their belt this season after competing in the MTN8 and Confederations Cup during the months of August and September.

Babina Noko’s first competitive assignment of the campaign came against Cape Town City in the MTN8 quarterfinals, where they recorded a 1-0 defeat against Eric Tinkler’s charges at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 10 August.

The Limpopo-side also competed in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederations Cup this past Saturday, where they suffered a 1-0 loss against Lunda Sul at Estadio 11 de Novembro.

As for Magesi, Dikwena tša Meetse will no doubt aim to make first impressions in South Africa’s top flight after earning automatic promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.

Our very first top flight match ⚽!#DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/fw1O06uBRj

— Magesi Football Club (@Magesi_FC) September 16, 2024

WHAT WAS SAID

Sekhukhune Senior Coach Kaitano Tembo expressed that Babina Noko can only get better this season following their recent loss in the CAF Confederations Cup.

“We played well, it was our very first competitive game of the season after a very long layoff, so I can't really fault the players.

“I think we’ll continue to get better.”

Magesi coach Clinton Larsen warned his side against being naive as they begin to test themselves against teams in the top flight of South African football.

"It's exciting to be here. For the club, it's exciting times ahead. It's going to be difficult; we know that, but as a small club, I just said to my players and my management, we must not be naive," said Larsen.

"This league is very tough – I've been here before and I know, so we've got to treat the teams with respect. We are the small boys in the league and we've got to make sure we give everybody the respect that they deserve.

"But, at the same time, we must not fear anybody. We've got to be fearless, we've got to be brave, and embrace this challenge of being in the Betway Premiership."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sekhukhune United: Linda Mntambo – After a tough spell on the sidelines last season, Mtnambo came back as one of Sekhukhune’s best players toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Babina Noko captain will no doubt be eager to impress for a full term this time around.

Magesi: Kgaogelo Sekgota – Having joined Magesi recently, Sekgota will be hoping to kick start his career after spells with Stellebosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs.

The attacker is known for his pace and power going forward and will no doubt be an asset for Dikwena tša Meetse this season.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first top-flight league meeting between Sekhukhune United and Magesi FC.