Why Magesi’s 13-Game Winless Streak Is More Than Coaching Issue

Magesi coach Allan Freese warns that saving the bottom-placed club is humongous due to a mid-season transfer freeze.

Winless in 13 matches and sitting four points adrift of safety, the Limpopo side faces a critical 7 April clash against Marumo Gallants.

Freese, appointed as a “firefighter” to rescue the struggling Limpopo outfit, replaced John Maduka in February.

Maduka’s exit was marked by internal friction; management famously informed him he would not be on the bench during a pre-match meeting against Orlando Pirates late in January.

In the interim, assistant coach Abram Nteo oversaw a Nedbank Cup exit to Upington and a league defeat to Golden Arrows.

Despite the coaching shake-up intended to arrest the slide, the results remain bleak. Magesi is currently enduring a 13-match winless streak across all competitions. However, Freese has hit back at suggestions that he is responsible for the slump.

“Unfortunately, I arrived during a period where we couldn’t sign anyone,” Freese lamented. “That is the main issue. Even when I identify where the squad is lacking, I can’t simply bring in new talent. I have to work with what I have and give these players the best support I can.”

Will Magesi FC be relegated?

The statistics tell a worrying story. Magesi’s last taste of victory came against TS Galaxy on 18 October—nearly five months ago. This prolonged drought has fueled fears within the club that relegation is becoming an inevitability.

Currently rooted to the bottom of the table, Magesi has accumulated just 14 points from 21 matches. They trail 15th-placed Orbit College by four points, though they do hold a crucial game in hand.

What is next for Magesi after the FIFA break?

Following the international break—which sees Bafana Bafana face Panama in two friendlies—Magesi returns to action on 7 April.

They host fellow strugglers Marumo Gallants at Seshego Stadium in what is being billed as a “six-pointer.” Gallants are equally desperate, having lost nine of their last 10 fixtures.