Maduka takes charge at Magesi FC, vows to build on existing foundations
Image: Backpagepix
John Maduka has described it as 'a special honour' to be appointed head coach of Magesi FC and expressed his satisfaction at working alongside long-serving assistant coach Jacky Ledwaba.
Speaking at his unveiling in the Limpopo capital, the former Malawian international said there was no need to bring in his own technical team, as he did not want to tamper with a successful structure.
'You don't break something unnecessarily,' Maduka said.
'I strongly believe that the technical team here has been part of the club for a long time. They helped Magesi gain promotion all the way from the ABC Motsepe League to the PSL, so they are clearly capable and know their job.
"If there's no need for me to bring in someone, why should I?'
HE'S HERE ⚽📢🐊!
Magesi Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of John Maduka as head coach.
Welcome to the family!#DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/Il67VYnQRc — Magesi Football Club (@Magesi_FC) July 3, 2025
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Maduka takes over from Owen da Gama, who parted ways with the club after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Club management believe that Maduka — previously in charge of Royal AM — is the right man to take the team forward.
Curiously, the club declined to reveal the length of Maduka's contract, with general manager Hero Makgamatha implying it was effectively a 'pay-as-you-go' deal.
'But we can strengthen the technical team if the need arises,' Maduka added.
'This is a special moment for me, an honour to work for Magesi, which is a very good team. It's a team that always wants to compete, and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.'
Maduka has set his sights on a top-eight league finish and hopes the club can retain the Carling Knockout title they famously won in their maiden top-flight season.
He replaces Da Gama, who helped Magesi avoid relegation after joining in December as a replacement for Clinton Larsen. Larsen had guided the club to promotion and led them to Carling Knockout glory with a shock 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns, but parted ways with the club after a poor run of league results.
While Da Gama's tenure did not yield dramatic improvements, Magesi managed to stabilise under his leadership.
Their ability to avoid defeat at their new home, the Seshego Stadium — having previously used the old Peter Mokaba Stadium — proved crucial in amassing enough points to retain their Premiership status, finishing in 13th place.
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