Magesi FC coach Larsen claims playing Mamelodi Sundowns in Carling Knockout final 'will feel like playing Bafana Bafana' due to Brazilians having seven starters in national team's most recent Afcon qualifier

With just days to go before Magesi FC makes history in Bloemfontein, they prepare for a monumental clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout final.

This journey to the final saw Dikwena Tsa Meetse defy the odds, setting up a showdown with the free-scoring Bafana Ba Style.

Clinton Larsen, the man leading the Limpopo side, brings valuable experience, having famously defeated Sundowns a decade ago while with Bloemfontein Celtic.

Speaking to the media, the former Bafana Bafana international acknowledged the quality of his opponents, likening Sundowns to a national team due to the number of international stars in their lineup.

“I disagree 1000% [that Magesi have a slight advantage],” Larsen responded to media as reported by iDiski Times.

“Sundowns for the last 10 years have mastered the art of playing every three days and they have been winning, so what’s going to change this time around?

“We’ll go into this game with the same positivity that anything can happen,” added Larsen.

“You know we are up against a formidable opponent. It feels like we are actually playing the national team because last night I watched six starters from Sundowns in the national team and a few on the bench."

“And if you look at [Marcelo] Allende, [Lucas] Ribeiro and [Peter] Shalulile had they been South African, they’d have probably been in the national team too."

“So, you are not just playing Sundowns, it’s like you are playing against the national team and that’s what makes this challenge all the more exciting for us as a club.”

Magesi will aim to play fearless, entertaining football and attempt to cause one of the biggest upsets in South African football history by lifting the trophy.

They will likely have the support of the other big club's fans who would like to see an underdog reign supreme against the mighty Brazilians.

Sundowns have dominated the PSL in the past decade, bringing pain to the supporters of the other big clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

While Bucs have since started to hold their own under Jose Riveiro - winning a few domestic trophies - Chiefs are trophyless in almost a decade now.

The focus now shifts to their Carling Knockout final against Sundowns for Magesi.

They will aim to replicate their giant-killing success, as they did against Pirates.

Larsen's side is determined to challenge the defending champions and make history.

Their performance will depend on tactical discipline, teamwork, and seizing any opportunities that come their way.