Chipezeze reveals Magesi’s plan to keep Carling Knockout crown

Magesi FC captain Elvis Chipezeze has laid out the requirements for his side to successfully defend their Carling Knockout Cup title this season, stressing that consistent hard work is key.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse enters the 2025 competition as the reigning champions, having famously clinched the trophy last season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, securing a hefty R6.85 million prize.

This year, Magesi begins their defence on Sunday, October 5, facing AmaZulu FC in the Round of 16 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (kick-off 18:00).

Hard Work is the Only Formula for Magesi

Chipezeze acknowledged the pressure of carrying the defending champions’ tag, particularly since the team hasn’t started the new league term strongly. The veteran goalkeeper emphasised that the players must replicate their performance from last season to make the Limpopo province proud once again.

🏆CARLING BLACK LABEL KNOCKOUT🏆

As the defending champions of 2024 Carling, Dikwena tsa Meetse look forward to eliminating Usuthu in the first round and protect the throne.

🆚: @amazulu_fc
📅: Sunday, 5 October 2025
🏟️: Moses Mabhida Stadium
⏰: 18:00#dikwenatsameetse… pic.twitter.com/rJjw9sNuAR

— Magesi Football Club (@Magesi_FC) September 30, 2025

“We are going to push game by game, and this will be through hard work because everyone knows what we are capable of doing,” Chipezeze told the media.

He noted that their opponents, AmaZulu, present a significant challenge. “Remember, the team we are playing has also got experience. They previously participated in the CAF inter-club competition some time ago. So, the experience is there, and they are playing at home.”

Chipezeze insists the team’s motto must remain simple: constant effort.

“We just have to go out there and try to make the province happy. We have to make sure we push through,” he continued. “So, whatever comes at us, we must work extra hard because to be a champion, you need to continue working. It doesn’t mean you’re a champion now and then you relax.”

The skipper drew parallels to their successful 2024 campaign, noting the importance of kicking off against strong opposition away from home.

“Last season, we started our game away from home against Orlando Pirates, and this season, it’s happening again in Durban versus AmaZulu,” he said. “We are also coming from a setback in the league. We are going to take this game as preparation for the other games to come. The boys are pushing very hard. We can’t wait for the tournament to start.”