Magesi FC defied all expectations in their inaugural top-flight season. They not only made history by lifting the Carling Knockout Cup but also successfully battled to avoid relegation, securing their place in the Betway Premiership.
Before the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season kicked off, the newcomers bolstered their squad with 12 new signings.
These included notable names like former Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch winger Kgaogelo Sekgota and ex-Mamelodi Sundowns striker Gift Motupa, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level.
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However, their start was challenging, with consecutive losses to Sekhukhune United and rivals Polokwane City, failing to find the back of the net in either match. Magesi finally secured their first top-flight victory against Golden Arrows in Durban, a crucial turning point.
The turning point for Magesi arrived in the Carling Knockout Cup. In a thrilling Round of 16 encounter, they stunned local football by defeating cup specialists Orlando Pirates 3-2, having impressively led 3-0 at halftime. This victory ignited their season, as they followed it up with draws against formidable opponents like Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs.
Under the guidance of coach Clinton Larsen, Magesi continued their impressive run in the Carling Knockout Cup, culminating in a historic final against Mamelodi Sundowns. They came from a goal behind to secure a stunning 2-1 victory, clinching their first domestic trophy in their very first top-flight season.
Despite their cup success, the common “hoodoo” of teams struggling in the league after a cup win unfortunately materialized for Magesi. They went on to lose their next three league games, highlighting the demanding nature of balancing cup runs with league consistency.
A 3-0 loss to the Carling All Stars in the Carling Black Label Cup was immediately followed by the shock post-match interview with SABC Sport, as coach Clinton Larsen announced his resignation.
After a 1-0 loss against Orlando Pirates under interim coach Papi Zothwane, Magesi announced the appointment of veteran PSL coach Owen Da Gama as the new head coach.
Dikwena continued to struggle, going winless in their next six matches under da Gama, including a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 elimination against SuperSport United and three losses in the Betway Premiership.
With the team firmly rooted at the bottom of the table at the halfway mark, they dug deep to record their first consecutive victories in the league against SuperSport United and Polokwane City.
The next four league matches saw Dikwena lose three matches and win only once, to leave them in 14th place, dangerously above the relegation play-off spot.
Magesi then managed to emphatically pull away from the danger zone, winning their next four league matches, to see them move up to tenth place on the table.
The impressive run of form earned head coach Owen Da Gama the PSL Coach of the Month award for March, with the possibility of ending the season in the coveted top eight spots.
Despite three draws and one loss to Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the Limpopo-based side managed to finish the season in 13th position, securing top-flight football for the 2025/26 season.
According to reports, the team will retain coach Owen Da Gama for the 2025/26 season. The team will need to sign a few more experienced players in key positions in order to avoid another relegation battle next season.