Recently appointed Magesi FC Director of Football Morgan Mammila has issued an apology to Lerumo Lions FC chairlady Sibongile Marokana following his abrupt U-turn regarding a move to the club.
As FARPost initially reported, Mammila was set to take over as the Chief Operating Officer [COO] at Lerumo Lions ahead of the 2026/27 season. This is after the well-travelled administrator left Chippa United after his contract expired at the end of June.
During his time at Chippa, Mammila served the club in various capacities, including as sporting director, head coach, and assistant coach.
The former Baroka FC CEO and head coach made it clear that he wanted a new challenge after parting ways with the Chilli Boys.
Mammila was spotted several times with Marokana, indicating he was poised for a role at the Motsepe Foundation Championship club. However, the former Moroka Swallows coach was unveiled by Limpopo club Magesi FC on Thursday.
In his role as director of football at Magesi, Mammila will oversee the club’s technical structure, player recruitment, youth development pathway, and the overall football philosophy.
MORGAN MAMMILA EXPLAINS WHY HE CHANGED HIS MIND ON THE LERUMO LIONS JOB
Mammila explained that the devastating relegation of three Limpopo-based teams at the end of the 2025/26 season prompted his sudden U-turn on joining Lerumo Lions. Baroka FC and Black Leopards were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ranks of the ABC Motsepe League, while Magesi FC dropped from the Betway Premiership back to the second tier.
As a proud Limpopo native, Mammila felt duty-bound to return home and assist Magesi in their quest for an immediate return to the South African elite league.
“To be honest, I would like to apologise to the lady [Sibongile Marokana],” Mammila told FARPost. “What a good person. We had talks about a lot of things. We were doing a lot and working as a team.
“But what touches me is my province [Limpopo]. We were hit by lightning, as you know. Three teams getting relegated at the same time and Magesi’s vision as a club, that’s all I wanted in my life. It took me back to where I started. I think I did well. So why can’t I continue where I can do my best?”
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