By Nkhensani Mthombeni
- Village team Magesi FC gets a hero’s welcome after shocking mighty Sundowns to win the Carling Cup.
- Premier praises the team from dusty Ga-Moletji for beating well-funded giants despite humble roots.
Newly crowned Carling Black Label Knockout Cup champions and Betway Premier League debutants Magesi FC are the toast of Limpopo.
The sounds of vuvuzelas and celebration filled Polokwane’s Meropa Casino Hotel on Tuesday as Limpopo welcomed home its new heroes, Magesi FC.
The team from rural Ga-Moletji were treated to a party by the provincial government after beating giants Mamelodi Sundowns 2–1 in Saturday’s Carling Black Label Cup final in Bloemfontein.
Polokwane mayor John Mpe said he was thrilled to celebrate a team that got promoted to the Premier League and won a major trophy in the same year.
“Magesi has beaten big teams; it has beaten Orlando Pirates 3–2 during the tournament, recently it drew 2–2 against Kaizer Chiefs and now wins against the biggest team in the country,” said Mpe.
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said Magesi shocked everyone.
“The main thing for me is that a team from the dusty village of Ga-Moletji has managed to beat teams that are well-resourced and have better sponsorships,” she said.
She praised team chairman Solomon Makhubele for developing local talent. Makhubele started the team in 2011, naming it after his father.
The chairman was overcome with emotion at the party, simply thanking the government, team management, fans and the players he calls his “kids”.
Pictured above: Magesi FC with Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba at Meropa.
Source: Supplied
