Magesi FC continued their impressive run in the South African Premiership, defeating TS Galaxy 2-1 on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Seshego Stadium. This victory marked Magesi's sixth consecutive home win, lifting them to 10th place in the league standings, six points clear of the relegation zone occupied by SuperSport United.
The match began with Magesi taking the initiative as John Mokone opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Mokone connected with a well-placed corner from Mzwandile Buthelezi, sending a powerful header past the TS Galaxy goalkeeper. The home side's early lead brought a wave of excitement to the fans, who had witnessed their team struggle at the beginning of the season.
However, TS Galaxy quickly responded, showing their determination to fight back. Kamogelo Sebelebele leveled the score just before halftime, finishing smartly from the edge of the area after a well-crafted move. This goal shifted the momentum back to Galaxy, who had been looking for an equalizer after falling behind.
After the break, Magesi coach Owen Da Gama made no changes to his lineup, a decision that proved to be pivotal. Just nine minutes into the second half, Delano Abrahams restored Magesi's lead with a powerful header from another corner, this time taken by Mcedisi Vandala. Abrahams's goal marked his second in the league this season and highlighted Magesi's set-piece effectiveness.
The match saw several chances for both teams as they battled for control. Magesi looked to extend their lead, and they nearly did when Thabang Sibanyoni's header struck the woodwork just two minutes after Abrahams's goal. The home team continued to apply pressure, with Mokone and Vandala creating numerous opportunities, keeping the Galaxy defense on high alert.
As the game progressed, TS Galaxy ramped up their efforts in search of an equalizer. They had several chances, with Victor Letsoalo and Sphiwe Mahlangu both coming close but unable to convert their opportunities. The tension escalated in the dying moments of the match when TS Galaxy's Sphesihle Maduna had a golden opportunity to level the score, but his header struck the post in stoppage time, leaving the visitors frustrated.
With this victory, Magesi secured their fourth consecutive win in the league, showcasing their remarkable turnaround under Da Gama, who took charge of the team three months ago when they were struggling at the bottom of the table. "We might not have the best quality, but we play as a team," Da Gama commented after the match, reflecting on his team's resilience. "In the first 10 minutes, I thought we were a bit poor. Then we started getting into first gear, into second gear, into third gear."
Magesi's recent success has been crucial as they aim to secure their place in the top flight of South African football. Following the expulsion of Royal AM for failing to fulfill fixtures, there will be no automatic relegation this season. However, the team must still navigate a double-round mini-league with two second division sides, where only the winners will secure a spot in the Premiership.
Looking ahead, Magesi has four more fixtures left in the season, and securing five more points will guarantee their survival in the richest league in Africa. The team’s newfound defensive solidity, having not conceded a goal in their last five home matches, will be key as they look to finish the season strongly.
Meanwhile, TS Galaxy, under the guidance of new coach Adnan Beganovic, will need to regroup quickly. Despite the loss, they remain in contention for a top-eight finish, having previously won the Carling Knockout competition with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this season. Their ambition is to build on last year's sixth-place finish and avoid any slip-ups in the remaining matches.
The stakes are high as both teams navigate the final stretch of the season, with Magesi aiming for safety and Galaxy striving for a strong finish. The ripple effects of this match will be felt on both ends of the league table as the season approaches its climax.
As the fans left the Seshego Stadium, the atmosphere was electric, reflecting the thrill of a well-fought match. Magesi FC's journey is a testament to perseverance and teamwork, and with the right momentum, they might just secure their place in the top flight for another season.
