Magesi’s 2024/25 campaign was a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, featuring a thrilling cup victory, a steady climb up the league standings, and the emergence of left-back John Mokone as one of the season’s most impressive defenders.
Veteran tactician Owen Da Gama arrived when the club was languishing at the bottom of the Betway Premiership with just six points from ten games.
His appointment sparked a remarkable turnaround, as Magesi battled their way to a 13th-place finish with 31 points.
Despite the mid-season disruption caused by Royal AM’s expulsion, which altered the standings, Da Gama’s leadership instilled resilience and belief in his squad.
Read: Former Orlando Pirates winger Highlights Recruitment Disparity as Sundowns Dominate Bucs Once Again
Among the standout performers was 26-year-old defender John Mokone, whose consistency, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions from the flank played a crucial role in the team’s revival.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Da Gama now calling for the left-back to receive a well-earned nomination for Defender of the Season, highlighting his impact in Magesi’s resurgence.
Featuring in 29 matches across all competitions, Mokone contributed one goal and four assists. His consistency and attacking impetus from the left flank did not go unnoticed, earning him a nomination from Da Gama for the prestigious Betway Premiership Defender of the Season award.
“There is no doubt about it. I mean, he [Mokone] won a cup and played in all the games of the cup. Also, in all the games that we won here at Seshego Stadium, apart from the SuperSport United game, he didn’t play,” Da Gama told FARPost.
“In all the other games where we were beating teams here, and even when we beat Polokwane City FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, we then went away to Richards Bay FC and drew there, and travelled to TS Galaxy where we also drew. He played an important role in those matches.
“So, I agree that he deserves a nomination for the Defender of the Season. He did exceptionally well this season. He is a defender who has been a standout for us.”
Mokone’s crowning moment came in November 2024, when Magesi FC stunned heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the Carling Knockout final at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. The triumph marked a historic victory for the club and underlined Mokone’s importance to the team.