Downs seek revenge against Magesi in pivotal league encounter

Miguel Cardoso and Owen da Gama might not have been around during the Bloemfontein ‘snatch and grab’ that saw Magesi FC stun Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 victory in the Carling Knockout final.

However, that result no doubt has been lingering in their minds, as the two coaches prepared for Wednesday’s Betway Premiership clash at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

Cardoso and Da Gama took over at Sundowns and Magesi after that shock outcome, respectively. You can bet they will lace their pre-match talks with references to that result, if only to use it as motivation for their players.

With the help of his assistant Steve Komphela, who was on the bench alongside the fired Manqoba Mngithi, Cardoso is sure to have warned his players of the danger Magesi pose – their position at the bottom of the Premiership table notwithstanding. Trust Komphela to add his own spin to the notion that revenge is a dish best served cold as he strives to motivate the team.

On the other hand, Da Gama has Jacky Ledwanba, the long-serving Magesi assistant coach, by his side. The duo will surely remind their players that they have beaten Sundowns before and can do so again.

Despite the fact that the two teams occupy opposite ends of the 16-team table, with the Brazilians once again looking good for the title while rookies Magesi fulfil the role many expected them to as they prop up the table, that is likely to count for little Wednesday.

Sundowns have come a cropper earlier this season on the compact pitch of the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, where they were suffocated by a Polokwane City side that gave them no space, leaving the Brazilians unable to play their expansive passing game. Magesi must surely aim to replicate that strategy on a pitch they know very well, and if they can catch Sundowns on the break like they did in that final, a surprise result could be on the cards.

However, it seems unlikely, as Sundowns will take to the pitch brimming with confidence after securing a CAF Champions League quarter-final spot at the weekend, albeit through a draw against AS FAR Rabat.

Cardoso stated afterwards that he believed Sundowns were improving daily, despite a drop in performance somewhat after half-time.

“What I think is that Sundowns is doing well; Sundowns is growing, and Sundowns is strong. We made a wonderful first half against FAR; we played a tough game in Maniema (coming from behind to win 2-1 against the Congolese side), where no one won; we played Raja (Casablanca) at home and won, then went away to Raja.

“Yes, we didn’t win but, as you know, we were drawing. We played the second half with one less player. So, since I arrived here, I think we have done well.

“We are on our way into the knockout stage. Let’s continue, game after game, because we are doing well and let’s keep it up.”

With Orlando Pirates hot on their heels in the championship chase, Sundowns know that victory is of paramount importance Wednesday. The same applies to Magesi, who must extricate themselves from the bottom spot if they are not to make a swift return to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.