Pressure’s on them – Maduka responds to Orlando Pirates Carling Knockout draw

Magesi FC head coach John Maduka says his side will embrace their underdog role after being drawn against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals — a rematch of last season’s unforgettable upset.

The draw came shortly after Magesi’s thrilling 3-2 win over AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, a result that secured their passage into the last eight. For Maduka, who only recently took over the reins at the Limpopo-based club, the fixture presents both a daunting challenge and an opportunity to reignite belief in a struggling side.

This isn’t the first time Magesi and Pirates have crossed paths in the competition. 

In last season’s Round of 16, Magesi stunned the Soweto giants with a blistering first-half performance at Orlando Stadium, racing to a 3-0 lead and ultimately holding on for a 3-2 win that sent shockwaves through South African football. 

That result sparked a remarkable cup run, as Magesi went on to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the final and lift the trophy in Bloemfontein.

However, the circumstances are quite different this time around. Domestically, Magesi have struggled for consistency and sit second from bottom in the league standings, with just one win to their name this season. 

Pirates, in contrast, are enjoying a rich vein of form. The Buccaneers have won nine matches in a row across all competitions and recently claimed a record fourth successive MTN8 title.

“It’s going to be tough because, eish, I’m coming in at a disadvantage — I wasn’t here when Magesi beat Pirates last time,” Maduka admitted after the draw was confirmed. “But these are cup games. Anything can happen.”

Maduka believes that while his side may not carry momentum in the league, the unpredictable nature of knockout football — and the psychological pressure on Pirates — could level the playing field.

“Maybe the pressure is on Pirates because everyone expects them to win,” he said. 

“They’ve won their last nine games, so the pressure is more on them than on us. That might actually work in our favour — we can play freely.”

Maduka brings his own cup pedigree to the job, having been part of the Bloemfontein Celtic technical team that lifted this very trophy in 2012/13.

He understands how cup competitions can inspire teams to punch above their weight — and he’s urging his players to tap into that same energy.

“They remember what happened last time. They won’t want to be embarrassed again,” he said. 

“But we’ve already shown character. Against AmaZulu, the boys didn’t give up. That kind of spirit can carry us forward.”

With the clash only scheduled after the upcoming international break, Maduka knows there’s time to prepare. But for now, he’s choosing to focus on belief — the same belief that helped Magesi conquer giants once before. And in the Carling Knockout, belief often counts for more than reputation.