‘Promise kept’: How Peter Koutroulis’ Magesi FC vow became a reality

Veteran football administrator Peter Koutroulis has revealed the promise he made to Magesi FC boss Solly Makhubela and how it became a reality.

Koutroulis boldly made a promise during his first meeting with Makhubela earlier in the season. The well-travelled Koutroulis was roped in as a technical advisor to work alongside coach Clinton Larsen. 

Magesi secured a historic promotion to the DStv Premiership after dominating the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season. The former Mamelodi Sundowns administrator recalls what he promised club chairman Makhubela which he has now delivered.

WHAT PETER KOUTROULIS PROMISED THE MAGESI FC CHAIRMAN 

“I promised the Chairman when I first met him and I said next season we will be in the PSL [DStv Premiership],” said Koutroulis.

“Also, remember during our meeting [media conference], I said to you people, we will talk again when the PSL fixtures come out. First of all, this is not the first team… I have promoted four teams,” he added. 

“Chippa United, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Sekhukhune United and now Magesi. Do you know why? I believe if you have a good structure, good people around who understand you and the right players, you will never go wrong. I promised them [Magesi], I promised the Chairman in the first meeting. I told the Chairman that we will be in the PSL, if you also look now we have done it.”

WHAT IT TAKES FOR A CLUB TO GAIN PROMOTION IN THE MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP 

“I have 41 years [involved] in football. But in the NFD if you have a good structure [you will succeed], I can tell you, give me any NFD club, anyone and I will promote it,” said Koutroulis.

Regarding his future at the club, Koutroulis says it will all depend on his meeting with the chairman of the club. 

“I have a meeting with the Chairman this week and the news will come out. But what I am saying to you, the PSL is not NFD. You need more good structure, and the right players and you will keep the club there. 

“Here we don’t need to look like Cape Town Spurs. When I joined Chippa and promoted them, he said to me, you have all the freedom and fix the team for the PSL. I did it for four and half years and until now Chippa are playing in the PSL,” he said. 

“I will speak to the Chairman and will tell him everything. It’s up to him, but I am happy with the Chairman. He gave me freedom.”

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