Orlando Pirates will look to turn the tables against Magesi FC when they clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on December 29, 2024, following the latter's shocking victory earlier this season. The highly anticipated Premier Soccer League match marks the second encounter between the two teams, with Pirates eager for revenge after Magesi pulled off a surprising 3-2 win during the Carling Knockout.
Fresh off their electrifying 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants, which featured standout performances, the Buccaneers are determined to maintain their winning streak. The match against Magesi presents not only an opportunity to boost their momentum but also to avenge their earlier defeat.
Unfortunately for Pirates, they will be without their star striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who has been instrumental for the team this season. Following the Christmas Eve match, where he scored a hat-trick, Mabasa received his fourth yellow card, which has resulted in his suspension for the upcoming game. His absence raises questions about how the team will adapt offensively, but it may also pave the way for young talent Boitumelo Radiopane to shine.
Mabasa expressed confidence in Radiopane’s abilities, stating, "I am really happy for Radiopane. He has been working hard in training and finally he got his opportunity, and he took it [penalty]." This marks Radiopane’s chance to step up, having struggled to find consistent playing time amid stiff competition.
Meanwhile, Magesi FC, currently struggling to find their footing, will attempt to leverage their earlier triumph against Pirates. Despite having recently appointed a new coach following Clinton Larson's exit, the squad has been on shaky ground, not securing any wins following their Carling Knockout success. They have lost to teams like Chippa United and Marumo Gallants, which raises concerns about their morale heading to this fixture.
The Pirates faithful are expecting nothing short of redemption, with some fans openly expressing their desire for the team to achieve at least three goals against Magesi. "We need more than three goals to nil against them. They disrespected us during the Carling Knockout game," urged fan Sihle Mdedi Ngwane, capturing the overarching sentiment among supporters.
Similarly, other fans echoed the need for the team to assert their dominance. “Time to baptize this Magesi team, no mercy,” asserted Matsose Riveiro, emphasizing the urgency for Pirates to make their intentions clear against the rookies, who have already created waves by defeating them once.
The stakes are high for coach Jose Riveiro, who sees this as not just another league game but as redemption for the earlier loss. Riveiro has instilled confidence within the squad, demonstrating their potential and collective effort put forth during their successful period this season. “The human level of the group this season is something else, to be honest, they make us feel proud almost every day with things I cannot say publicly,” he remarked.
Despite the challenges posed by Magesi, the Buccaneers have excelled, losing only once across nine league outings, placing them second on the table behind Mamelodi Sundowns. This consistency gives them confidence as they head to the match, especially with the passion and expectation from their dedicated fan base.
For Magesi, the match will serve as both a challenge and an opportunity to prove their earlier victory was not merely luck. They need to find stability and performance if they wish to fend off the oncoming Pirates onslaught, and the absence of Mabasa may give them hope to capitalize on what they perceive as weaknesses.
Kick-off for this thrilling encounter is set for 15:30 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, and it'll be broadcast live on SuperSport TV PSL channel 202. Fans are eager to see how the Pirates will handle this pivotal match against Magesi.
With the rivalry heating up and both teams having something to prove, the fixture promises to be exciting as fans settle down to witness if the Pirates can reclaim their pride and the Magesi boys can continue their surprise run.
