Magesi FC Edges Richards Bay to Reach Carling Knockout Final: A Historic Victory at King Zwelithini Stadium
By Sello Masilo
Magesi FC secured a historic 1-0 win against Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout semifinal at Durban’s King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon, a hard-fought victory that paved their way to their first-ever major cup final. The Polokwane-based side, also known as “Dikwena Tsa Meetse,” now prepares for a thrilling face-off against either Mamelodi Sundowns or Marumo Gallants at the Toyota Stadium on 23 November. For Richards Bay, this marks their second consecutive Carling Knockout semifinal exit, as they now turn their focus back to the Betway Premiership with an upcoming clash against Kaizer Chiefs on 27 November.
The semifinal encounter kicked off with both teams battling for control, though neither managed a significant threat on goal during the opening 15 minutes. Play was fragmented, with possession slipping away from both sides in the final third, making it difficult to build any serious goalscoring momentum. Fans were left waiting, hopeful for a spark to break the deadlock.
That moment came in the 27th minute, following an unforced error by Richards Bay defender Tshepo Mabua. His misplaced back pass was quickly intercepted and capitalized upon by Magesi forward Tshepo Mashigo, who fired home with precision to put Magesi up 1-0. It was a costly mistake for the Natal Rich Boys, shifting the game’s dynamics as they scrambled to recover before halftime, but Magesi held on to their advantage as the first half drew to a close.
After the break, Richards Bay increased their tempo in search of an equalizer. However, Magesi’s goalkeeper, Zimbabwean Elvis Chipezeze, showcased remarkable reflexes, denying several attempts that could have leveled the score. His first notable save came at the hour mark when he thwarted a close-range shot from Yanela Mbuthuma. Moments later, Chipezeze again proved his reliability, safely gathering a strike from Richards Bay’s Justice Figareido in the 62nd minute.
Richards Bay continued to press forward, with Keegan Allan nearly breaking through, but Chipezeze was again on hand in the 68th minute, pulling off another crucial save. As frustration mounted for Richards Bay, they found themselves down to ten men in the 84th minute when midfielder Tlakusani Mthethwa received a red card, diminishing their chances of a comeback. Magesi maintained their composure and successfully held their ground to finish the match 1-0, cementing their place in the Carling Knockout final.
A Rising Team in South African Football
Magesi’s journey to the Carling Knockout final represents a significant milestone, not only for the club but for their passionate fan base in Limpopo. This semifinal victory is testament to the squad’s resilience and growth under head coach Kgokolo “DJ” Tlakula, who has guided his players through intense challenges. Their upcoming final on 23 November will be a test of both skill and nerves as they strive to bring the Carling Knockout trophy home for the first time.
Fans are especially excited to see how Magesi fares against one of the giants of South African football—either Mamelodi Sundowns, a team known for their continental dominance, or Marumo Gallants, another club on the rise in local football. This underdog journey has garnered significant support, with the Carling Knockout becoming a showcase of emerging talent and competitive spirit in South African football.
A Disheartening Semifinal Exit for Richards Bay
For Richards Bay, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow as they bow out of the Carling Knockout semifinal for the second year running. Head coach Kaitano Tembo expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity but emphasized the need to refocus on their upcoming Betway Premiership fixture against Kaizer Chiefs. With a packed schedule ahead, Richards Bay will need to rally, regroup, and work on correcting mistakes that cost them the match against Magesi.
The club’s supporters are hopeful for a stronger showing in the league, and the team remains determined to learn from their Carling Knockout exit. “The loss is painful, but it’s part of the game. We need to look forward to the next match and ensure we come back stronger,” said Richards Bay captain Keegan Allan, acknowledging the disappointment while showing optimism for the future.
A Tactical Breakdown of the Semifinal Battle
The match unfolded as a balanced tactical duel, with both teams employing a cautious approach in the opening stages. Richards Bay sought to assert control in midfield, but Magesi’s compact defensive structure disrupted their flow, forcing errors and misplaced passes.
The match turned on Tshepo Mabua’s mistake, a costly moment that exposed Richards Bay’s defensive vulnerability. Magesi’s Mashigo exploited the error with a quick, decisive finish, underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in the team’s attacking line. Magesi adapted well to the pressure, shifting to a more defensive stance after their goal, with Tlakula deploying his players to frustrate Richards Bay’s attempts to equalize.
Chipezeze, Magesi’s shot-stopper, emerged as a game-changer, thwarting multiple shots with exceptional reflexes and calm under pressure. His standout saves from Mbuthuma and Allan highlighted Magesi’s defensive resilience and proved critical in preserving their slender lead.
Richards Bay’s frustration boiled over in the closing stages, culminating in Tlakusani Mthethwa’s dismissal. Reduced to ten men, they struggled to penetrate Magesi’s solid backline, ultimately falling short in their bid for a comeback.
Key Players and Stats
1. Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC): The Zimbabwean goalkeeper made several game-saving interventions, marking him as one of the standout performers in the semifinal. His composure and skill in goal kept Richards Bay at bay.
2. Tshepo Mashigo (Magesi FC): His quick reaction to Mabua’s defensive error was decisive, and his goal sent Magesi through to the final. Mashigo’s clinical finishing underscores his importance in Magesi’s attacking line-up.
3. Keegan Allan (Richards Bay): Allan’s efforts to drive his team forward, especially in the second half, were notable. His attempts to break through Magesi’s defense kept the fans hopeful, but the lack of execution hampered Richards Bay’s comeback.
4. Tlakusani Mthethwa (Richards Bay): His red card in the final minutes was a setback, leaving Richards Bay at a numerical disadvantage and effectively ending their hopes of an equalizer.
Match Summary:
• Richards Bay (0) 0
• Magesi (1) 1 (Mashigo 27’)
Line-ups:
Richards Bay: Otieno, Mabua, Allan, Mncineka, Mthethwa, Mthembu (Sithebe 79’), Mabuya, Ndaba (Sibanyoni 69’), Figareido (Gumede T 79’), Mbuthuma (Zikhali 86’), Ntsundwana.
Magesi: Chipezeze, Chirambadare (Rademeyer 82’), Mokone J., Abrahams, Mokone L., Mzava, Darpoh, Mekoa (Masegela 75’), Kakora, Makhubu, Mashigo (Matima 90’).
What Lies Ahead
Magesi’s historic journey to the Carling Knockout final marks an extraordinary chapter in the club’s history. The Toyota Stadium showdown on 23 November is expected to draw fans from across the country, eager to witness Dikwena Tsa Meetse battle it out for their first major title. Regardless of the outcome, Magesi’s performance in the Carling Knockout has placed them on the map, highlighting the talent and resilience within South Africa’s footballing ranks.
For Richards Bay, the focus shifts back to the league as they prepare to face Kaizer Chiefs. Despite the setback, the club is committed to bouncing back, with players and coaching staff determined to turn the page on their Carling Knockout disappointment. The Natal Rich Boys will need to regroup, addressing tactical errors and ensuring a stronger showing in the Betway Premiership.
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