Magesi FC will clash with Orlando Pirates on December 29, 2024, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, where both teams have everything to prove. With both having claimed silverware this season, the stakes are undoubtedly high.
This encounter is significant as it features Magesi FC, newcomers to the South African top flight, who have already made headlines by winning the Carling Knockout Cup. Despite their current struggles, Magesi has history on their side, having defeated Pirates earlier this season on their way to securing the trophy.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, are entering the match with renewed confidence after demolishing Marumo Gallants 8-1 on Christmas Eve. This convincing victory has propelled them to second place on the league table, only behind Mamelodi Sundowns. Their morale is at an all-time high, especially after they stretched their unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions. Pirates' fiery performance against Gallants showcased the powerhouse sitting within the team.
Recent turmoil has rocked Magesi FC, who find themselves at the bottom of the table and are desperate to avoid relegation. The side parted ways with their head coach Clinton Larsen after suffering a 3-0 defeat against the Carling All Stars during the Black Label Cup. The interim head coach, Papi Zothwane, and assistant Jackie Ledwaba have been brought on board to try and turn the season around and lift the club out of its current predicament. "Clinton Larsen having vacated his head coaching role, Papi Zothwane... have been roped in to steer the ship," noted one source.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15h30, and the sporting world is keeping its eyes peeled as both teams prepare to assert their dominance. Pirates will have to navigate the match without forward Tshegofatso Mabasa, who has been suspended after receiving his fourth yellow card against Gallants, but the club is still brimming with talent prepared to rise to the challenge.
Magesi, on the other hand, has been enduring challenges on multiple fronts, possibly needing to score points quickly to escape the relegation zone. Only six points from nine matches suggest the depth of their struggle this season, meaning they must capitalize on every opportunity available as they face Pirates once again.
There’s been talk of revenge from Pirates, too. After their earlier upset at the hands of Magesi—which saw them eliminated from the Carling Knockout—this match is not just about points; it’s sprinkled with the spice of rivalry and vindication. "Revenge might be top of mind for the Buccaneers, who were eliminated by Magesi in the Carling Knockout last 16...", pointed out another analyst.
Let's take a look at the confirmed line-ups as both teams gear up to battle for three points. For Magesi FC, the starting eleven includes Chipezeze, Mashigo, Makgoga, Mokone, Rademeyer, Darpoh, Masegela, Baloyi, Kokora, Mokone, and Makhubu, with notable substitutes such as Tshabalala and Matsemela ready to make their impact from the bench.
Orlando Pirates' lineup features Chaine, Sibisi (c), Sesane, Mako, van Rooyen, Mbatha, Makhaula, Dlamini, Nkota, Mofokeng, and Makgopa, alongside substitutes including Buthelezi and Radiopane, offering depth and versatility, which could prove decisive as the match progresses.
Overall, this match carries all the hallmarks of high-stakes football—a clash of ambitions, requiring both teams to deliver performances worthy of their respective goals. All eyes will be on the pitch as Magesi FC aims to foil Orlando Pirates' plans of closing the gap on league leaders Sundowns and escape relegation’s grasp.