Legends agree Downs couldbe a bridge too far for Magesi

Carling Knockout legends Hlompho Kekana and Reneilwe Letsholonyane have ruled out any possibility of an upset when Magesi face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final at Free State Stadium tomorrow (6pm).

Sundowns head into the title decider as favourites looking at their depth and also their form. Rookies Magesi have also shown they can't be taken lightly as they have developed the reputation of giant killers.

They have eliminated Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay to reach this stage with all their matches away.

Kekana and Letsholonyane agreed it wouldn't be  easy for the Brazilians, but in the end, their depth would see them through. “My money is on Sundowns simply because I saw how they played in this competition. They played like an angry team, a team that looked like they wanted to redeem themselves,” Kekana told Sowetan.

“They didn't start so well. We know what happened, and this is the match where I think they need to reward themselves, especially after the shaky start.”

Kekana admitted that pressure will be on Sundowns, with Magesi going into this match as underdogs and having nothing to lose. “Sundowns are under pressure because they have to win this match, it is a must-win. When they play against a stubborn team like Magesi, they need to make sure they pull up all the big game moments,” he said.

“I am anticipating an interesting cup final, where Sundowns have to show us how big they are in terms of emotions. Once you play against teams that have nothing to lose, it tests you as a big team.”

Letsholonyane believes the quality at Sundowns will see them through, but expects Magesi to frustrate them. “Magesi is not a team you are just going to walk over, Sundowns will work hard to win the game. Magesi are a difficult team to beat, it might be a new team in the league, but they have serious campaigners playing there,” Letsholonyane said.

“There are players who know the level they are playing at. They are used to it and they have been there before, and they will make it difficult for Sundowns.”