Africa-Press – Malawi. South Africa’s ambitious Betway Premiership side Magesi FC has said it settled for Malawian John Maduka to take over as head coach after a thorough search.
Maduka takes over from Owen Da Gama who parted ways with Dikwena tša Meetse last week.
“Magesi Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of John Maduka as the team’s new Head Coach. Maduka joins Dikwena Tša Meetse after a thorough search. The former Malawian international will start his new job with immediate effect,” reads part of the club’s statement released yesterday.
Maduka was coach for Royal AM before the club was dissolved midway through last season, following club boss Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize’s financial troubles.
In his new role, Maduka will be expected to improve on Da Gama’s 13th place finish last season.
He will also have to come up with a good team capable of retaining the 2024 Carling Black Label Knockout Cup.
Magesi lifted the cup after beating giants Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 with Malawian defender Limbikani Mzava playing an important role.
Maduka’s first major task will be to replace 10 players who have parted ways with the club ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
Before taking up the Royal AM job, Maduka previously coached at Bloemfontein Celtic.
Magesi’s website credited Maduka as having played football at the highest level, becoming one of the most recognized midfielders of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era.
Football analyst Frank Chakanga said Maduka has all it takes to revamp Magesi.
“Maduka knows South African football. This will not be the first time for him to coach an elite league club there, and I am so sure he will deliver. I would urge him to consider Malawian players who are doing well here at home.
“They need to try their luck at the club and help him achieve his goals. But this is a good move for Maduka and let us wish him well,” Chakanga said.
Maduka has been a free agent since the club’s dissolution midway through last season with club boss Shawn Mkhize becoming the subject of South African Revenue Service inestigations.
Additionally, world football governing body Fifa had banned Royal from signing new players over money owed to several players including their superstar Samir Nurkovic.
This resulted into a crisis that eventually saw PSL ejecting the team.
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