Premier Soccer League newbies Magesi shocked Mzansi by eliminating favourites Orlando Pirates from the Carling Knockout.
They scored three goals in the first half and defended their lead after the break to eventually win 3-2 in the Round of 16 to seal their place in the quarter-final.
However, it could have been different for the Buccaneers if two players could have been in the team's starting XI according to former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye.
Did Pirates miss Olisa Ndah in defense?
Ndah suffered a tibia fracture that has ruled him out for the remainder of the year, and according to Khanye, he is one of the reasons why the Sea Robbers lost.
“Two vital positions at Orlando Pirates [on Saturday] played a major role; the one being Ndah’s and the second being Tito Maswanganyi,” he told iDiski TV.
“Those two players play a vital role at Orlando Pirates. The one is a center-back and a leader. He is one of the best, special as well in terms of communication, and reading the game, he’s good at defending one vs one.
“It doesn’t even matter who he is partnering with even if he plays with [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, you don’t even see Sibisi’s weak points or even [Tapelo] Xoki, anyone can play with Ndah and Ndah covers them.”
Maswanganyi, another reason for Pirates loss?
Patrick Maswanganyi started from the bench with coach Jose Riveiro going with Selaelo Rasebotja.
“Tito is a dictator in the middle, decision-making is good and he’s very arrogant on the ball. I think he has stamped authority in that position. I don’t see any player better than him at Orlando Pirates. You see players like Kabelo Dlamini, [Relebohile] Mofokeng, and [Tshegofatso] Mabasa function because Tito is everywhere,” Khanye added.
“You will find him wherever the ball is. He doesn’t have speed but he’s a thinker. As I said, two vital positions on Pirates’ side today played a role because Magesi started the game playing a low block, sitting at the back, and everyone behind the ball. Some were nervous but they have a hard-working coachable team.
“Tactically they were on point to make things difficult for Orlando Pirates. They didn’t have a plan to go behind Orlando Pirates’ defence but the last 15 minutes they cheated because Pirates’ wingbacks were moving forward without any plan,” he concluded.
Coach Jose Riveiro and his team will now focus on the Premier Soccer League, Caf Champions League, and the Nedbank Cup.
