Magesi, rooted in 16th place in the Betway Premiership with only 11 points from 15 matches, made clear that survival in South Africa’s top flight is the overriding priority.
Although there was speculation that assistant coach Abram Nteo might be promoted after stepping in during Maduka’s absence, the board ultimately opted for Allan Freese, citing his experience as crucial to guiding the team through this challenging period.
“This is to inform the public that Magesi Football Club has on this day terminated the coaching contract of John Maduka with immediate effect by mutual consent,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The club has also concluded contractual engagements with Coach Allan Freese, who will resume responsibilities with immediate effect.”
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Maduka, who took over with the aim of improving on a 13th-place finish, leaves after just two wins from 15 league matches and a tally of only 10 goals. His absence from recent matches, including the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 defeat to Upington City FC, had made his exit appear inevitable.
Freese, a seasoned tactician, brings a track record of top-flight success, having won both the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout with Platinum Stars in 2013. More recently, he spent nearly a season in Casablanca as a technical coach under Rulani Mokwena at Wydad AC before returning to South Africa.
With only two games in hand over Orbit College FC, Freese faces an immediate challenge. Magesi return to action this Friday against Golden Arrows in what will be a crucial fixture in their fight to avoid relegation.
For Nteo, who handled the interim period diplomatically, the decision marks a return to a supporting role, though the experience may prove pivotal in shaping his future coaching career.