It’s a historic victory for Magesi FC – Clinton Larsen

Magesi held on to their lead to boot Pirates out of the Caring Knockout in a game played at Orlando Stadium yesterday.

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The Limpopo side, playing a brave counter-attacking game, raced into a 3-0 lead at halftime, thanks to goals from Delano Abrahams, Thabiso Sesane’s own goal, and Edmore Chirambadare’s rebound from a saved penalty.

Larsen praised his boys for a gallant effort.

''We worked very hard, we tried to be as structured and organised as possible but in the end we held on. So credit must go to Pirates for not giving up and dominating us the way they did - it was always expected from one the in-form teams in the league. I thought my young team today, I have six players that don't have league appearances. I thought they were exceptional for the way they executed the game plan. Credit to the club, credit to the players - the hard work they put in the first hour - they were finally rewarded for it. It is a historical day in the club, it is a first encounter against Orlando Pirates and to come out with a victory - It is a step in the right direction for the club,'' said Larsen.

Larsen says this massive win against a team like Pirates, who had started well in all competitions this season, including winning the MTN8 title, is a huge confidence booster for the club.

''Looking at the way we started the league, just to move away from the Cup. We lost our first two, the confidence was low. The following game we drew against AM and all of a sudden the belief grew. I think backing up those two positive league results with a cup win will do so much for the confidence of the players. It's the first time playing on these stages, first time rubbing shoulders with national team players - and I understand that as a former footballer, but I kept reminding them that we all started somewhere but you have to be quick to learn. Even from today's victory there are hard lessons learned, but I hope with each game they are growing confidence,'' added Larsen.

This was the first loss for Pirates in 12 matches in all competitions this season, and the first time they conceded more than one goal this season.

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro says they left it too little too late with the late goals from Kabelo Dlamini and Evidence Makgopa.

''We created quite a lot, we hit the post three times in the second half, we managed to score that first goal - it was obviously too late in the 86th minute. We were close to equalising, we can speak about our failed attempts. Congratulations to Magesi, they are in the next round and we are not,'' said Riveiro.

It was also the first loss for Pirates at Orlando Stadium since their 1-0 loss to Richards Bay towards the end of last season in May this year.

Riveirio was disappointed to see his team exit a cup competition at the first hurdle.