The writing appears to be on the wall for John Maduka at Magesi FC, as the Limpopo-based side prepares to finalise the Malawian tactician’s departure following a dismal run of results that has left the club rooted to the bottom of the Betway Premiership.
FARPost has established that the club hierarchy and Maduka have tentatively agreed to part ways, with a formal meeting scheduled for Monday to settle the remaining details of his contract payout.
Speculation regarding Maduka’s future reached fever pitch on Saturday during Magesi’s first fixture of 2026 at the Orlando Amstel Arena. While Dikwena tsa Meetsi suffered a 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the league, Maduka was conspicuously absent from the touchline.
Instead, the 55-year-old was spotted in the stands at the Orlando Stadium, clad in club regalia and seated next to CEO John Mathibe. On the pitch, assistant coach Abram Nteo was officially named as “head coach” on the team sheet, working alongside Jacky Ledwaba.
When questioned about the technical team shuffle after the match, Nteo remained diplomatic. “Yes, I knew that I was going to sit on the bench. Me and the coach [Maduka], we are working together nicely,” he said.
MAGESI CHAIRMAN CONFIRMS MEETING TO FINALISE MADUKA SETTLEMENT
Magesi chairman Solly Makhubela confirmed to this publication that a definitive decision is imminent.
“Not yet [found a resolution on Maduka]. I think they’re going to sit on Monday [to finalise the issue],” Makhubela stated briefly.
Maduka had been preparing the team for the Pirates clash throughout the week, only to be excused from match-day duties at the eleventh hour. Having also been sidelined from training this past week, it is highly unlikely that he will be in the dugout for the upcoming Nedbank Cup clash.
Maduka was appointed at the start of the 2025/26 season, tasked with improving on the 13th-place finish achieved by his predecessors, Owen da Gama and Clinton Larsen. However, the mandate has proved difficult to fulfil.
Under Maduka’s guidance, Magesi have managed a mere two wins in 15 league matches, collecting just 11 points. Their last taste of victory dates back to October 2025 against TS Galaxy. With only 10 goals scored and 21 conceded, the club is currently the favourite for the drop unless a drastic turnaround occurs.
THE SUCCESSOR: ABRAM NTEO
The club is expected to appoint Abram Nteo as the permanent replacement. Nteo is a familiar face to both the players and Maduka, having served as his assistant at Magesi and previously at the now-defunct Royal AM.
Nteo’s first major task as the man in charge will be a trip to the Northern Cape this Saturday, February 7, to face Upington City in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium.
As Magesi looks to replicate the cup magic that saw them lift the Carling Knockout Cup trophy last season, the priority remains survival. Nteo will be eager to steer Magesi out of the murky waters of relegation.
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