Orlando Pirates legend Happy Jele backs Magesi FC ahead of Carling Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns - 'They go toe-to-toe with whoever they play'

Former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele has advised Mamelodi Sundowns to be wary of Magesi FC leading up to the highly-anticipated Carling Knockout final on Saturday.

Unexpectedly, Dikwena Tsa Meetse advanced to the final of the Knockout after defeating Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy, and Richards Bay along the way.

Heading into the upcoming match as the underdogs, Jele has issued a caution to Sundowns, highlighting that Magesi have the ability to beat any team they compete against.

“I think the way they play, they are so committed in such a way that they play as a team, not as individuals. They work their socks off,” Jele told FARPost.

“You know, that spirit they showed in the Motsepe Foundation Championship to win the league, now they have shown they still have the same spirit that they had (the winning mentality).

“So, whoever they face, they always go toe-to-toe with them. You can see the way they surprised Orlando Pirates in the first game of this year’s Carling Knockout Cup, and now they have managed to go through to the finals. That belief they had while playing against Pirates carried them all the way," he added. 

“It shows now that it is possible; if they can beat Pirates, who else can stand in their way? They have worked hard, and they didn’t get to the finals by luck but because they put a lot of effort into each and every game they played." 

Magesi secured an automatic promotion to the Premier Soccer League by emerging victorious in the 2023/24 National First Division, earning a well-deserved spot in the top league.

Under the guidance of seasoned coach Clinton Larsen, who previously managed Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United, Dikwena Tsa Meetse have found their footing in the PSL.

After they opened their account in the top flight with two straight defeats, Magesi head into the Carling Knockout final in a positive mood, having emerged victorious in four matches and settled for three draws in their last eight games in all competitions.

Sundowns and Magesi are scheduled to meet each other at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday evening at 18h00.

Tickets for this event are still on sale at Ticketpro Outlets nationwide and their online portal for only R50.

After the final match, Downs will shift their attention to the Caf Champions League, while Magesi will be looking to sustain their impressive performance in the PSL.