Magesi’s relegation from Betway Premiership has sent shockwaves across the football fraternity in Limpopo
On an otherwise lackluster week of football; Magesi FC took a nosedive from the elite league following a disappointing campaign in the Betway Premiership relegation/promotional playoffs.
Dikwena tša Meetse played to a 1-all stalemate against Milford FC at Seshego stadium on May 13.
Milford becomes the final team to book their berth in the elite for next season following a hard-fought draw in the dying minutes of the game.
The contest saw Milford cling at the top of the standings with two points clear of Magesi who were hosting this nail-bitting affair at their fortress.
It was a decider between the two sides after Cape Town City FC, the other team in these playoffs, saw their promotion bid end midweek with a draw at home against Magesi.
Milford arrived in Polokwane leading the table and needing just a point to gain promotion, but found themselves sliding down to second spot when Edmore Chirambadare thrust the hosts ahead 14 minutes into the match. Cheswyn Philander almost levelled matters for Milford, but was denied by the crossbar after attempting from the penalty spot in the 38th-minute.
However, the Richards Bay visitors managed to hit back through Menzi Chili in the 59th minute to reclaim top spot and confirm their PSL status.
Milford will be playing in the top-flight league for the first time since their formation in 2012.
For Magesi, it was the end of their dance in the Betway Premiership, and they bowed out after battling against relegation for the better part of the 2025/26 season. After two terms in the top-flight, they go down with the 2024/25 Carling Knockout Cup to show for their time in the big league.
Magesi’s relegation comes sadly after another Limpopo side; Baroka FC was officially relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the third division following a 3-0 defeat to Kruger United.
The club’s departure from the second tier marked a difficult end to their 2025/26 campaign.
Following the relegation, several developments and updates have emerged.
The loss to Kruger United on April 26, sealed Bakgaga’s drop with three games left to play in the season. Baroka chairman Khurishi Mphahlele acknowledged that dropping to the amateur ranks will force a rebuild and admitted to personally funding player salaries, which led to boycotts from players over unpaid wages in the final weeks of the season.
Despite the demotion, the chairman has publicly vowed to rebuild and aim to return the club to professional football within three years.
Elsewhere up north; it has been a dry spell since Black Leopards were
Black Leopards were also relegated from the second tier to the amateur ranks of the ABC Motsepe League in Limpopo.
Following the team’s relegation and a subsequent failed arbitration attempt to replay fixtures, the club finished 15th in the 2025–26 National First Division, officially sealing their relegation to the regional ABC Motsepe League.
The relegation of these three Limpopo-based outfits confirms a significant downward spiral for the clubs that have historically featured in the country’s top-flight soccer league.
In a somber message to Magesi supporter; club publicist; Abel “The Lip” Rakoma said the relegation was a devastating blow.
“We are devastated by the relegation of our team; Magesi. I don’t want to lie, it’s really heartbreaking. The news of the relagation is now sinking through to a point that we now realise that it is a fact. I have observed players, security personnel; and other service providers crying tears at the stadium after the game on Saturday. Management and officials of the team all cried tears; for it was real that our team was demoted. Indeed; it is for the first time to experience what relegation is all about. We are all heartbroken. I don’t want to imagine what Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto feels, what Executive Mayor of Polokwane feels Makoro John Mosena Mpe, what Executive Mayor of Capricorn Mamedupi Teffo feels and of course MEC Jerry Maseko and the Premier of Limpopo Mme Ramathupa. This is the sorry state of affairs;” Rakoma remarked.
Magezi Football Club