South African youth international Siviwe Magidigidi has gone AWOL at Belgian Challenger Pro League club K Beerschot VA after failing to return from compassionate leave, FARPost can reveal.
The former Siwelele FC forward left Belgium early in May after being granted permission by Beerschot to travel to South Africa to attend a family bereavement. However, despite the club’s approval for the trip, the 20-year-old has yet to return, raising uncertainty over his future at the Belgian outfit.
FARPost understands that Magidigidi has struggled to settle since completing his move to Europe earlier this year and is reportedly unhappy with life in Belgium.
The development comes just six months after Beerschot secured the striker from Siwelele on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for a further season. The transfer was reportedly valued at around R7 million.
Magidigidi arrived in Belgium with massive expectations after emerging as one of South Africa’s brightest young attacking talents.
WHY SIVIWE MAGIDIGIDI STRUGGLED AT BEERSCHOT IN BELGIUM
However, opportunities have been limited during Magidigidi’s first six months in Europe.
The pacey attacker made six appearances in the Belgian Challenger Pro League, starting three matches and coming off the bench in another three.
He also made a single appearance as a substitute during the promotion playoffs as Beerschot attempted to secure a return to the Belgian top flight.
Despite the club enjoying a strong campaign and finishing third in the second-tier standings, Magidigidi struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Information reaching this publication is that adapting to a new country, culture and football environment has proven challenging for the youngster. Before leaving the Betway Premiership, Magidigidi had been enjoying an impressive campaign.
The forward scored four goals in 12 appearances during the first half of the 2025/26 season, performances that attracted interest from clubs abroad.
His stock had also risen following his exploits with South Africa’s Under-20 national team, Amajita. At the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Magidigidi scored twice and further cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young attackers.
Known for his explosive pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal, he was viewed as a player capable of making a successful transition to European football.
UNCERTAINTY OVER MAGIDIGIDI’S BEERSCHOT FUTURE
While Beerschot remain hopeful of seeing the young forward fulfil his potential, his immediate future at the club has been thrown into doubt.
The South African attacker remains under contract with the Belgian side, but questions remain over when or if he will return to Belgium to resume his European career.
Should any South African club wish to secure his services, they would likely need to negotiate either a permanent transfer or a loan agreement with Beerschot, given that Magidigidi remains under contract with the Belgian side.
Considering the impact he made before leaving Siwelele FC, there is little doubt the club would welcome the opportunity to bring him back should the chance arise. However, the question is whether they would be willing to pay for him.
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