The Magic know a trick or two about Chiefs

The Magic FC have a surprise in store for Kaizer Chiefs in their Nedbank Cup last-16 clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday‚ and are determined to fight for victory despite their minnow status.

Coach David Kannemeyer‚ a former Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender‚ insisted his side were not just coming to Port Elizabeth to make up the numbers‚ but had a genuine belief that they could win.

Chiefs were run close by another third-tier side‚ Tornado FC‚ in the last round‚ needing extra-time and an own goal to advance.

And The Magic have more top-level experience in their squad than their Eastern Cape counterparts‚ including former Bafana midfielder Thando Mngomeni‚ captain Tshepiso Tlhapi (Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic)‚ Andisiwe Mtsila (Chiefs academy)‚ Jerry Mxabo (SuperSport United)‚ Nazier Jacobs (Polokwane City)‚ Danian Wareley (Santos and IBV‚ Iceland) and Therlo Moosa (Mamelodi Sundowns).

“We are not going to add numbers‚ we are going to compete‚” Kannemeyer said.

“People will be surprised by us‚ it’s a platform for the players to showcase their talent and hopefully a few will be picked up by PSL clubs for next season because that is the ultimate goal.

“We are going to respect them‚ we have to. But we are going to fight and compete.

“We know more about them than what they know about us. We’ve got a surprise for Chiefs on Sunday.”

Kannemeyer said the experience of his senior players would be a huge bonus‚ with some even having played with current Chiefs stars at clubs or in the junior national team setups.

“We are fortunate that we have a number of guys who have played in the National First Division [NFD] [or higher] before‚ which helps us a bit come Sunday because they have the experience to help the youngster players‚” he said.

“All the pressure is on them [Chiefs]‚ we are the underdogs. But we’ll see at the end of the day who will win the game.”

The Magic have played in the Nedbank Cup prior to this season‚ but lost 3-0 to Platinum Stars in the last-32 in 2015.

They edged NFD side Maccabi FC on penalties in 2019 after the teams played to a 0-0 draw in Soweto. –