John Maduka, the head coach of Magesi FC, has explained the club’s decision to bring back former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Thabang Sibanyoni for the 2025/26 season.
Sibanyoni was with Dikwena Tsa Meetse last campaign, having joined them on a loan deal from Masandawana in January 2025. He managed to feature in 12 matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
However, before the start of the current season, the 29-year-old parted ways with his parent club, Sundowns, via mutual agreement.
Sibanyoni was promoted to the Bafana Ba Style first team in the 2019/20 season from the club’s reserve side. During his stay at the Chloorkop-based outfit, he was loaned out to clubs such as SuperSport United, AmaTuks, Sekhukhune United, Richards Bay FC, and JDR Stars.
As previously reported by FARPost, the experienced frontman was on the radar of the newly promoted Betway Premiership club Durban City FC before signing for Magesi FC on a free transfer.
Sibanyoni was part of the Magesi’s matchday squad when the Limpopo club locked horns with Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership tie this past Wednesday at Seshego Stadium. He was introduced in the second half, replacing Kgothatso Mariba.
JOHN MADUKA ON WHY MAGESI BROUGHT BACK THABANG SIBANYONI
Maduka stated that they needed someone of Sibanyoni’s calibre because his presence in the box makes defenders feel uncomfortable and believes that he will help them reach greater heights.
“He is going to help the team moving forward, you know. He is more of a number nine, a box player, and he works so hard,” said Maduka.
“Another thing about him is that he plays according to his strengths. But what we are going to try to do is feed him according to his strengths.
“We can’t change him to play any way we want because his presence in the box is something else. You could see he came in [against Stellenbosch FC]; he made a difference. The defenders could not relax because they know how deadly he is in the box. So, it’s good to have him back on the team.”
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