Another exit is on the cards at newly promoted Magesi FC, with assistant coach Papi Zothwane linked with an exit from the club just weeks after head coach Clinton Larsen announced his resignation.
Larsen’s shock departure on December 21, 2024, followed a disappointing start to the Betway Premiership season.
At the time, the struggling Betway Premiership newcomer, Magesi, was languishing at the bottom of the league standings after accumulating six points from nine opening matches, including only one victory. Since his departure, they have collected one point, moving to seven points off 12 games.
The veteran mentor said he was stepping down to allow the club to bring in “fresh” leadership. After Zothwane briefly assumed interim coaching duties, the club brought in Owen Da Gama as Larsen’s replacement. The 63-year-old Da Gama has been in charge for two matches, losing one [1-0 against AmaZulu FC] and playing a draw in the other [against TS Galaxy].
Zothwane, who joined Magesi FC to work with Larsen and Jackie Ledwaba in July, played a crucial role in the club’s historic Carling Knockout Cup victory over Mamelodi Sundowns. This marked a significant milestone for Zothwane, who experienced a trophy drought during his playing career with clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic.
However, Zothwane’s absence from training on Thursday has fuelled speculation about his departure.
Club sources have informed FARPost that the coach has intimated an impending departure from the club. It remains unclear whether he has formally communicated this intention to club management.
WHAT PAPI ZOTHWANE SAID ABOUT WORKING WITH DA GAMA
He previously expressed his willingness to work with the new coach, Da Gama. “I am here to serve Magesi Football Club. As an employee of the team, if they feel that Jacky [Ledwaba] and I have to continue, we will do so. If they also feel there is a need for a change of personnel, we will definitely support that. It’s all about the team and both individuals,” said Zothwane before Da Gama took over the reins.
Zothwane boasts a wealth of coaching experience, having previously served as an assistant coach at Black Leopards and as head coach at clubs such as Polokwane City FC [with Duncan Lechesa], Uthongathi FC and Dlangezwa Hellenic FC.
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