The star of PSL legends-turned-coaches continues to shine bright like a diamond after ex-Orlando Pirates player Jacky Ledwaba’s charges, Magesi FC were crowned ABC Motsepe League national champions yesterday.
Magesi beat their KwaZulu-Natal counterparts Kings United by 5-3 on penalties at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, following a 1-1 draw during open play.
Unfortunately for Kings, the villain who cost them glory happens to be the man who has been their hero leading up to the final – Thobani Kunene, who also scored the open play goal yesterday.
The victory will see Magesi smiling all the way to the bank for the R1-million prize money for their heroics.
The money is courtesy of the Motsepe Foundation and this happens to be R600000 more than what an NFD champion gets, although the latter is a division higher – let that sink in.
Anyway, Kings, despite the loss, will not go home empty-handed, with a guaranteed R500000 runner-up reward to be deposited to their bank account.
The money will assist both sides in preparations for their maiden season in the second tier.
Luckily, they have two months to do the necessary changes if needs be, unlike in the past, where the promoted clubs had a week or two before the start of the season.
Back to yesterday’s match, with both teams having reached the final undefeated during group stages, the encounter was always going to be a close contest. Indeed it was a tough one and the regulation time score-line is the clearest indication.
The Limpopo side, Magesi, drew first blood, courtesy of Tshimagadzo Ramaxwaila.
But theirs was a short-lived lead as Kings levelled matters through Kunene, who would later break their hearts.
It was Kings who enjoyed superior ball possession throughout, both in the opening and closing stanza.
Kings, who hammered the final nail in the coffin for Eastern Cape champions Tornado three days ago, were unlucky not to go in front 12 minutes from time.
This was when Kunene’s powerful header forced Magesi goalkeeper Rendani Maduwa to pull a brilliant save.
Ledwaba commended his players for a job well done.
“I am the happiest man right now.
“My players were a bit tired after so many matches in one week but I told them to remain calm and defend their goal posts and they did.”
Kings’ mentor, Simo Dladla, said his young squad showed courage.
“We dominated although we lost and with a bunch of young players who I am so proud of because what matters is we are in the NFD.”
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Dladla and Ledwaba after they delivered their respective teams to the promised land. Both confirmed they were yet to have discussions with their clubs’ bosses regarding their continued stay in their positions.
Historically, coaches who have seen their teams promoted have been shown the door immediately thereafter. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Magesi FC crowned as champs, bank big cheque
Magesi beat their KwaZulu-Natal counterparts Kings United by 5-3 on penalties at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, following a 1-1 draw during open play.
Unfortunately for Kings, the villain who cost them glory happens to be the man who has been their hero leading up to the final – Thobani Kunene, who also scored the open play goal yesterday.
The victory will see Magesi smiling all the way to the bank for the R1-million prize money for their heroics.
The money is courtesy of the Motsepe Foundation and this happens to be R600000 more than what an NFD champion gets, although the latter is a division higher – let that sink in.
Anyway, Kings, despite the loss, will not go home empty-handed, with a guaranteed R500000 runner-up reward to be deposited to their bank account.
The money will assist both sides in preparations for their maiden season in the second tier.
Luckily, they have two months to do the necessary changes if needs be, unlike in the past, where the promoted clubs had a week or two before the start of the season.
Back to yesterday’s match, with both teams having reached the final undefeated during group stages, the encounter was always going to be a close contest. Indeed it was a tough one and the regulation time score-line is the clearest indication.
The Limpopo side, Magesi, drew first blood, courtesy of Tshimagadzo Ramaxwaila.
But theirs was a short-lived lead as Kings levelled matters through Kunene, who would later break their hearts.
It was Kings who enjoyed superior ball possession throughout, both in the opening and closing stanza.
Kings, who hammered the final nail in the coffin for Eastern Cape champions Tornado three days ago, were unlucky not to go in front 12 minutes from time.
This was when Kunene’s powerful header forced Magesi goalkeeper Rendani Maduwa to pull a brilliant save.
Ledwaba commended his players for a job well done.
“I am the happiest man right now.
“My players were a bit tired after so many matches in one week but I told them to remain calm and defend their goal posts and they did.”
Kings’ mentor, Simo Dladla, said his young squad showed courage.
“We dominated although we lost and with a bunch of young players who I am so proud of because what matters is we are in the NFD.”
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Dladla and Ledwaba after they delivered their respective teams to the promised land. Both confirmed they were yet to have discussions with their clubs’ bosses regarding their continued stay in their positions.
Historically, coaches who have seen their teams promoted have been shown the door immediately thereafter. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
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