Magesi FC has announced the appointment of Papi Zothwane and Jacky Ledwaba as their new co-coaches following the sudden resignation of Clinton Larsen. This decision marks a significant shift for the club, currently struggling at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table.
Larsen, who had been at the helm for two seasons, made headlines when he announced his departure during a live broadcast post-match interview after Magesi endured a crushing 3-0 defeat to the Carling All Stars on Saturday. The club has had dismal league performances, managing just one win out of nine attempts. This prompted Larsen to take the step to resign, as he explained, “I felt the time was right to step away. I have done my part, including winning a cup, but in the league, things were not going well.”
The club's choice to promote Zothwane and Ledwaba to co-head coaches reflects their commitment to salvage the team’s current standings and maintain their top-flight status. Zothwane joined Magesi at the beginning of the season as assistant coach, bringing with him experience from his previous stints with various clubs, including Black Leopards and Uthongathi, and will partner with Ledwaba, who also served as Larson's assistant.
During his tenure, Larsen managed to guide Magesi to their historic first top-flight trophy, the Carling Knockout Cup, within just four months, stunning the highly touted Mamelodi Sundowns. His success, partnered with the sudden downfall during league play, adds depth to the narrative around his departure. “Lifting a cup is different from performing in the league,” he remarked. He acknowledged the challenges Magesi faces amid fierce competition from other clubs with greater resources.
Magesi FC’s management remains tight-lipped about the nature of Larsen's resignation. Club spokesperson Abel Rakoma confirmed there was no pressure on Larsen to leave, emphasizing the shock felt across the board. “We know we will get out of the relegation zone very soon,” he stated, bolstering confidence within the team.
Now, Zothwane and Ledwaba face their first major test as co-coaches when they square off against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium shortly after their appointment. Both coaches are familiar with the challenges presented by Pirates, having previously faced them during the Carling Knockout Cup. Their experiences will be key as they strive to instill some much-needed morale and tactical acumen.
Reflecting on his time with Magesi, Larsen asserted, “Coaches come and go all the time,” marking the inevitable nature of coaching changes within the sport. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided to him but recognized the necessity for the club to seek someone who could bring fresh insight to improve their league standing.
With 21 games left before the season concludes, Magesi's supporters will be hoping Zothwane and Ledwaba's appointment marks the beginning of a turnaround story for the club. They currently face challenges but remain optimistic about re-establishing their footing among South Africa's top teams.
Finally, as Magesi FC navigates through this period of transition, all eyes will be on Zothwane and Ledwaba to steer the club away from relegation. Their ability to unify and motivate the players will be under scrutiny starting with their clash against the formidable Orlando Pirates, setting the stage for what promises to be a pivotal moment for the beleaguered club.
