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Richards Bay, Magesi to battle for first-ever major final spot

wwe08 November 2024 14:05| © Backpage TXT
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Richards Bay © Gallo Images

Richards Bay and Magesi FC will go head to head in Saturday's Carling Knockout semifinal match at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.

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

CURRENT FORM

Magesi have the edge coming into this encounter as they are undefeated in their last six matches across all competitions, including a 1-0 victory over last season's Carling Knockout finalist TS Galaxy in the semifinals.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse have been the surprise package of the season so far having eliminated cup specialists Orlando Pirates in the Round of 16 and they are now looking to reach the final of a major cup competition for the first time.

Richards Bay have been inconsistent having lost two of their last three matches across all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat to Pirates in a midweek Betway Premiership clash after defeating Cape Town City 5-4 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the quarterfinals.

The Natal Rich Boys will be making an appearance in the Carling Knockout semifinals for the second year running having lost to the eventual champions Stellenbosch FC last season and they are also hoping to reach a major cup final for the first time.

TEAM NEWS

Richards Bay will be without suspended Langelihle Mhlongo.

Magesi have no suspension concerns, but star player Gift Motupa is an injury doubt as the experienced forward has been nursing a hamstring injury.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze

“It's about enjoyment, you have to enjoy the moment, be humble and take each game as it comes," Chipezeze said.

"It will be a nice feeling to be part of another final, but there is a semifinal that needs to be played first.

"We are just grateful and we will see where this will take us. It is our first semifinal as a club in the league and we are going there to enjoy ourselves.”

Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter

“I think we lack quality and maturity in our last game, our final decisions were baffling at times for me,” Truter said.

“We have to work these things out at training, and the last couple of weeks, we didn’t have time [to train]. I think we had Sekhukhune United, Stellenbosch FC, Cape Town City FC, and now we had Orlando.

"On the weekend, we have another game in the semifinal [of the Carling Knockout Cup against Magesi FC]."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Yanela Mbuthuma, Richards Bay: The 22-year-old forward's return from suspension is a massive boost for the Natal Rich Boys and he has what it takes to inspire the KZN side to a win over Magesi.

Edmore Chirambadare, Magesi: The former Kaizer Chiefs winger is an integral member of the Dikwena Tsa Meetse side and his experience could be key for the Limpopo outfit.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Magesi and Richards Bay will be meeting for the first time across all competitions.

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