Magesi FC have wasted little time in making their intentions clear following their relegation from the Betway Premiership, with the Limpopo-based club targeting an immediate return to South Africa’s top flight.
The Moletsi outfit have made a perfect start to their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign under newly appointed head coach Kabelo Sibiya, collecting maximum points from their opening two matches.
Sibiya, who previously coached Higbury FC, has overseen an encouraging start as Magesi look to put last season’s disappointment behind them and launch a serious promotion challenge.
The club began their campaign on 22 August with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Midlands Wanderers before following that up with another home victory against The Bees on 29 August.
With six points from their opening two fixtures, Magesi have given themselves an ideal platform from which to build their promotion campaign, although the season remains long and the competition for promotion is expected to be fierce.
EXPERIENCED CORE RETAINED
A key part of Magesi’s strategy has been to retain a strong core of experienced players who understand the demands of professional football.
Among those remaining at the club are veteran goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, Tshepo Makgoga and Mokone. Their experience and leadership are expected to be particularly important as the club attempts to navigate the challenges of the Motsepe Foundation Championship and secure an immediate return to the top flight.
However, Magesi were also forced to deal with departures during the off-season.
Tshepo Mokone left the club to join Durban City, while Chirambadare returned to the Zimbabwe Premier League.
Despite those departures, the club has sought to maintain a balance between experience and youth by promoting several promising players from last season’s DDC squad into the senior team.
The move forms part of Magesi’s broader commitment to developing young talent while ensuring that the first team remains competitive.
MAMAILA ADDS EXPERIENCE TO FOOTBALL STRUCTURE
Off the field, Magesi have also strengthened their football operations with the appointment of experienced football administrator Morgan Mamaila as Technical Director.
Mamaila brings administrative and football experience to a club that is seeking to establish a clear long-term structure while competing for an immediate return to the Betway Premiership.
Speaking during his first press conference, Mamaila outlined the club’s ambitions, making it clear that promotion is the primary objective.
Magesi want to secure an immediate return to the Betway Premiership while simultaneously contributing to the development and growth of football in Limpopo, particularly in Moletsi, the home of club chairman Mr Makhubela.
The appointment of a Technical Director also underlines the club’s desire to strengthen its footballing structures beyond the first team and create a sustainable pathway for young players coming through the system.
A CLEAR PROMOTION TARGET
Magesi’s relegation last season means the club now faces the challenge of rebuilding its confidence while dealing with the expectations that come with being among the teams targeting promotion.
The early signs, however, have been positive.
Two wins from two matches have provided Sibiya with the perfect foundation as he looks to implement his ideas and build a squad capable of competing consistently throughout the campaign.
The combination of experienced campaigners, emerging youngsters and a strengthened technical structure could prove valuable as the season progresses.
For Magesi, however, the immediate objective is clear: return to the Betway Premiership at the first opportunity.
LEICESTERFORD CITY NEXT
Magesi will now turn their attention to their next assignment on 13 September, when they travel away to face Leicesterford City.
The fixture will provide Sibiya and his players with another opportunity to demonstrate whether their strong opening to the campaign can be sustained away from home.
While two victories do not guarantee anything in a long promotion race, Magesi have certainly made an early statement.
With six points already secured, a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters, and a clear ambition from the club’s technical leadership, Magesi FC have laid down an early marker.
The road back to the Betway Premiership has begun and Magesi appear determined to make it a short stay in the second tier.