Magesi FC players celebrate promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
Limpopo-based Magesi FC produced a volcanic display of classical brand of football to clinch the Motsepe Foundation Championship, a heroic feat that earned them promotion to the DStv Premiership.
Their 3-1 victory over Milford FC at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium on Sunday propelled them to the top tier league with 55 points, giving them an unassailable eight points lead over second-placed University of Pretoria FC.
Meanwhile, Tuck, third-placed Baroka FC and fourth-placed JDR Star are all still in contention for a second or third position finish to compete in the promotion relegation playoffs.
The historic promotion was a remarkable feat for the Blue Nation, as Magesi FC are affectionately called, and the menacing Crocodiles are now rearing to swim in the big sea with ruthless sharks in the tempestuous marines.
When the PSL finally releases the 2024/25 fixture, Magesi will be reminded about the intensity and gravity of the cutthroat business of the elite league.
The rampant merriments that followed shortly after the final whistle revealed an untold story of the delight brought about by promotion, courtesy of victory earned via Wonderboy Hlongwane’s brace, augmented by a strike by Edmore Chirambadare.
Played in front of a vociferous crowd that included Chief Kgabo Moloto of Moletjie hinterlands and the queen mother Makgubo, the inspiration from the pavilion was palpable with club song and dance.
The cacophonous noise of drumbeats that echoed across the stadium precinct provided an overwhelming aura of euphoria but whether Magesi’s campaign in the PSL will be for longevity remains a great deal of debate.
After Magesi gained promotion, Limpopo will have three teams in the Premiership next season, joining Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City.
Magesi head coach Clinton Larsen lauded the club’s management for supporting his vision of promoting them to the Premiership.
“It has been a lot of hard work. It has been 15 months since I came here at the club from last season and since day one, we had a lot of work to do,” Larsen told the media after the match.
“We had to change the structure to make sure the club works as professional. I want to thank the management for that trust and support and there was not a single day of interference from the club.”
The 2023/24 season was Magesi’s second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after their promotion from the SAFA ABC Motsepe League.
Amid all the celebrations of, Magesi boss Solly Makhubele has credited the players, technical staff and management for the club’s latest accomplishment.
“Ahead of the commencement of the league season, we sat as a collective and the key objective was to elevate the club’ status. We were all on the same page and the commitment was clear. The players played their hearts out, the coaching staff stuck to their game plans throughout and the management executed their duties with great dedication. Following the promotion, we are now focusing on staying in the top-flight league not only to be counted but to make a significant impact in the elite league” said Makhubele.