Why John Maduka took Magesi FC top job
- Peter Kanjere
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Coach John Maduka has explained why he accepted the challenge of leading Magesi FC – a modest South African top-flight club with big ambitions.
The Malawi-born tactician was unveiled this week as Owen Da Gama's replacement.
During a press conference held in Limpopo on Thursday, the former Royal AM coach took time to explain why the job suits him and the pressure that comes with it.
The Bloemfontein Celtic legend described Dikwena Tša Meetse, as Magesi are also known, as a perfect fit for him, owing to their ambition.
“Of course you don’t just throw yourself into a team before finding out how they do their things. It is a team that is ambitious. They want to win things. In the first season, the team won something. This is a team that does not regard itself as small,” the coach explained.
“Look, this is an ambitious team. I am also a coach who has ambition. We want to play because we want to win. It is an honour for me to work with Magesi FC. It is a very good team that always wants to compete.”
Maduka arrives with much expectation on his shoulders to win silverware. The club's previous coach, Clinton Larsen, delivered the Carling Black Label Cup after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final last season.
The former Umtata Bush Bucks midfielder admitted that he's already feeling the pressure, with the club's top-eight target. "Pressure will always be there, whether you win or lose. It is part of our job," he said.
Maduka previously coached Celtic before landing the top job at Royal AM, who had acquired Siwelele’s Premiership status.
The former Silver Strikers striker starred for Bush Bucks (1996-2003), Zulu Royals (2003-2004), and Celtic (2004-2009) in his heyday.
