Magesi FC’s chance to shock title hopefuls

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Leading National First Division scorer, Royal Eagles striker Sedwyn George, (right) would have preferred to play any fellow titlechasers than relegation-threatened Magesi FC this afternoon.

The 25-year-old said a team in Magesi’s situation is very dangerous and will have nothing to lose at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“Magesi are a very dangerous team right now. We cannot afford to take them lightly although we beat them convincingly in the first round,” said George.

On paper, Eagles should easily win in Polokwane against bottom team Dikwena tsa Meetsi, but George believes otherwise.

“All the teams in the relegation zone have their backs against the wall and will throw everything at you,” he added.

George said coach Kosta Papic has been drilling it into them all week that they need to win to ensure they keep pace with the title-chasers. Eagles have fallen to fourth in the NFD and trail leaders Thanda Royal Zulu by 11 points.

“We prepared very well for this game. We worked like we are preparing for a final. We know it’s important that we win this one. It will determine a lot in terms of our title dreams.”

With nine matches to go, George said it was the last lap and they need to collect points in every match so their promotion ambitions are realised at the end of the season.

“We have to close the gap on the teams above us. We are not looking back now,” he said.

For Magesi, a rare win against Eagles could see them go to 15th place, one point from safety depending on other results.

Second-from-bottom Santos also have a tough match against leaders Thanda tomorrow, while 14th-placed Milano United travel to Real Kings.