All-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns will start overwhelming favourites for Saturday’s Carling Knockout final against Magesi in Bloemfontein but there will be some key match-ups they will need to dominate
It is the first time the two clubs meet as Magesi have surprised with their sudden progress to the final of a major cup competition in their first season of top flight football.
COUNTING DOWN 🐊⚽💙!#DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation#CarlingKnockoutCup pic.twitter.com/p4OMWylIFz
— Magesi Football Club (@Magesi_FC) November 19, 2024
These will be the key match-ups to look out for on Saturday when the two clubs decide the trophy at the Free State Stadium:
LIMBIKANI MZAVA v PETER SHALULILE
The ex-Malawi captain did not play any professional football for two seasons, kicking his heels until Magesi coach Clinton Larsen offered him the chance of a comeback before the start of this season.
Mzava had previously displayed his quality in his stints with clubs like Bloemfontein Celtic and Lamontville Golden Arrows and has been a steady influence in Magesi’s last seven games.
He will have to deal with a resurgent Shalulile, who has already scored four times this season and is closing in on Siyabonga Nomvete’s record for the most goals in the Premier Soccer League era.
SAMUEL DARPOH v BATHUSI AUBAAS
A potentially combative tussle for control of the middle of the park between two enforcers.
The Ghanaian Darpoh is a feisty customer, as is Aubaas and there is certain to be sparks flying when the two battle it out for control in the middle of the park.
Aubaas will be coming off international duty with Bafana Bafana, meaning Darpoh could be a lot fresher, having had a good rest since Magesi edged Richards Bay in their semifinal played before the international window.
DEOLIN MEKOA v MARCELO ALLENDE
The 31-year-old Mekoa is making an impressive comeback to the top flight, having last played five years ago when he was at Maritzburg United.
His career went off the rails after that but now he is back … and in some style too.
His workrate is what makes him coach Larsen’s first choice on the team sheet, but he will have his hands full, trying to limit the influence of the little Chilean.
Allende remains the player who pulls the strings for Sundowns, dictating the pace of play and setting up the attacks.
Neutralise him and you throw the Brazilians off kilter.
MOTHOBI MVALA v WONDERBOY MAKHUBU
Makhubu plays alone upfront for Magesi and has quickly proven to be an accomplished target man, with the distinction of scoring their first top flight goal against Golden Arrows in last September.
He is quick, slippery and likes to run at the defenders. Mvala will probably be tasked with keeping an eagle eye on him.
The centre back is an accomplished international and a hard man to get past. It will be an intriguing match-up.