Maduka wants to avoid being put under early pressure

New Magesi head coach John Maduka has stressed the importance of starting well this season as they kick things off against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 9 August.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

Dikwena tsa Meetse seemed destined to make a swift return to the Motsepe Foundation Championship last term after struggling for results in the opening four months following their promotion to the Betway Premiership.

The Limpopo outfit would go on to win the Carling Knockout in stunning fashion under Clinton Larsen, who subsequently resigned after winning just one of his first nine league matches at the helm.

Owen da Gama took over the reins in the new year and managed to turn the club's ailing fortunes around as they embarked on a five-game unbeaten run between 11 March to 3 May, including a historic four consecutive wins.

Magesi went on to finish four points above the relegation playoff spot in 13th place, having missed out on MTN8 football by just three points.

Rise And Shine caused the first upset of the 2024-25 campaign when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 on 27 October as part of an impressive start, which saw them win five of their opening 10 league encounters.

Phuti Mohafe's side appeared to be on course for a top-three finish at one stage, but a dip in form in the final four months resulted in them picking up just one win from their last 13 matches.

Polokwane held onto seventh position to qualify for the MTN8, although their journey quickly ended after losing 2-0 to defending champions Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinals last weekend.

What was said:

Magesi head coach John Maduka

"It's good to be back - that's what we know best, it's to be involved in football, so it's good to be back and be part of the Magesi family.

"It's very important for us not to wait for the last minute, where you think you're going to do well in the second round, which is always very difficult.

"So it's very important for us to go this season and make sure we start well, go all out in the first round, get the points that we need so that we're comfortable enough for the second round not to be under unnecessary pressure."

Players to watch:

Polokwane City - Levy Mashiane will be looking to get his career back on track after being offered a Betway Premiership lifeline by Rise And Shine following Royal AM's demise. The 29-year-old winger didn't really establish himself at Thwihli Thwahla, making just 35 appearances in three seasons, but he'll be determined to seize this opportunity after Oswin Appollis was sold to Pirates.

Magesi - Mcedi Vandala played a key role in Dikwena tsa Meetse's revival after being signed from Sekhukhune United in January. The 30-year-old winger missed just one game and started 14 of the 16 he featured in, scoring four goals and providing two assists to help the Carling Knockout champions avoid potential relegation.

Head-to-Head:

Matches - 2

Polokwane wins - 1

Magesi wins - 1

Draws - 0