Clinton Larsen: Nobody gave us a chance

The Limpopo-based outfit came from a goal down at half-time to beat their Tshwane rivals 2-1 to clinch the trophy at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Larsen says he was aware Magesi had been written off prior to kick-off.

"Deja vu isn't it, 2012, nobody gave us a chance and we did it. If this was a fairytale story, this little team from Moletši, Polokwane, people were talking about 4, 5 or six nils today but I was quitly confident that our team can be a lot more competitive than that,” Larsen said.

“Going into the game, the first half, our intention was we knew we are gonna see 30 to 35% of the ball but our aim was to go into the break without conceding and that didn't happen.

“When Elvis Chipezeze went down with a knock, that's exactly what I discussed with my centre halfs, those penetrating passed to the feet of Rayners [Iqraam] as well as Shalulile [Peter] were starting to look dangerous and that's exactly how we conceded.

“So, that was very disappointing, not going into the break level. The other two chances were strikes from outside the box, which is what we wanted."

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Magesi stuck to their game plan, allowing Sundowns to enjoy the lion’s share of the possession only to hit them with counter attackers.

Larsen explained why he insisted on this style, which resulted in goals from Tshepo Kakora and Delano Abrahams.

"We knew that was the right approach. We had some very good chances on the break to catch them, it wasn't to be but I thought in the second half we had to come out really brave, play a little more and what's very, very rewarding and makes coaches really happy is when you work on something at training and it comes to fruition in the game,” the coach added.

“The two goals were from the training ground and I'm so, so happy for the players for executing it. Once again, happy for our club, happy for the supporters but most importantly for this group of players.

“I've said it before, I'm so hard on them and sometimes I feel bad for it because I understand they are not the most talented group. So, I've gotta try as a coach to squeeze every bit of potential, every bit of energy out of them in order for us to be competitive and that's what they keep giving, week in, week out.

“Based on the second-half performance, it was a deserved two goals we scored and once again, Elvis had not as many saves to make as Richards Bay game but he dealt comfortably with what was thrown at him tonight. The players deserve all the credit for what they've achieved against all odds."