Magesi coach Owen da Gama was left encouraged by the fighting spirit his side showed despite going down to Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Dikwena Tsa Meetse, who are at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table, suffered a 2-1 loss to Sundowns, who came from behind to beat them at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

It was a sweet revenge for Sundowns, who was stunned by Magesi in the Carling Knockout final in November 2024. 

“The boys are playing with a lot of pressure. When you are down there [in the bottom of the log], there’s a lot of pressure and these boys are fighting to get out there,” da Gama said after their loss to the Tshwane giant. 

“I think if we can just work hard and continue with what we did in the first half, we can win games. I think we are on the right track so far, maybe to strengthen one or two positions and I think after that we’ll start making a very good impression in the league.” 

Meanwhile, Magesi signed Mcedi Vandala on loan from Sekhukhune United this week until the end of the season. The former Highlands Park coach added that Vandala is a good player and will help Dikwena Tsa Meetse a lot. 

“Unbelievable player and he is a match-winner,” da Gama added. 

“It was not his best game today and you’ve got to understand that he hasn’t played in for some time now. He’s been on the bench in the last six games at Sekhukhune United and it takes one or two games for a player to get in. 

“But I’m sure he is going to be an invaluable asset to this team for this coming season.” 

Vandala was with Dikwena Tsa Meetse last season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship where he helped Magesi gain a promotion to the Betway Premiership, as he scored 10 goals in 29 games. 

Babina Noko decided to sign the former Summerfield Dynamos man at the beginning of this season and played only one game in Lehlohonolo Seema’s side.