Following the exits of head coach Clinton Larsen and his assistant Papi Zothwane, more than seven players face termination at Magesi FC. Larsen left after guiding the Premiership newcomers to the Carling Knockout Cup after edging Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final.
Zothwane briefly worked alongside Owen Da Gama, who succeeded Larsen, before unexpectedly departing from the Limpopo club. While they had a fairytale Carling run, Magesi’s performance in the Betway Premiership has been dismal.
In 12 matches, they have managed only one victory, a narrow 1-0 win against Golden Arrows. This leaves them languishing in the basement of the table in 16th place. Their struggles are evident in their poor goal-scoring record. They have netted only four goals while conceding 13.
Despite these concerning statistics, the club’s decision to release players has raised eyebrows.
WHO ARE THE SEVEN PLAYERS SET TO EXIT MAGESI FC
Experienced Malawian defender Limbikani Mzava and former Kaizer Chiefs winger Kgaogelo Sekgota are among seven players set to leave. Mzava, a consistent performer, was dismissed following a dispute with the club over bonus payments.
According to an insider, the club has issued termination letters to the players, offering a three-month salary payout to facilitate their departure. The other players facing termination are Jacob Everson, Njoti Tumelo, Mokhele Maloisane, Masegela Tholang, and Bongani Mpandle.
It remains to be seen how the move will impact Magesi’s performance in the second round of the season as the club seeks to climb out of the relegation zone.
Contacted for comment, the club’s media officer, Mmaphuti Mashamaite, said the club would issue a statement on the changes. “No comment. We’ll release a statement regarding any structural changes this week,” she told FARPost.
Magesi’s next Betway Premiership assignment is a daunting one. It’s a clash against defending league champions, Sundowns, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. They will be aiming to repeat their recent success against Sundowns, having triumphed over them in the Carling final.
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