Magesi FC part ways with John Maduka, appoint Allan Freese

The club, sitting 16th in the Betway Premiership with just 11 points from 15 games, explained that survival in South Africa's top flight took precedence over continuity. Earlier speculation had suggested assistant coach Abram Nteo could be promoted after leading the team in Maduka's absence, but the board opted for Freese's experience.

"This is to inform the public that Magesi Football Club has on this day terminated the coaching contract of John Maduka with immediate effect by mutual consent," the club said in a statement on Wednesday. 
"The club has also concluded contractual engagements with Coach Allan Freese, who will resume responsibilities with immediate effect."

Maduka, who took over with the aim of improving on a 13th-place finish, leaves after just two wins from 15 league matches and a tally of only 10 goals. His absence from recent matches, including the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 defeat to Upington City FC, had made his exit appear inevitable.

Freese, a seasoned tactician, brings a track record of top-flight success, having won both the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout with Platinum Stars in 2013. More recently, he spent nearly a season in Casablanca as a technical coach under Rulani Mokwena at Wydad AC before returning to South Africa.

With only two games in hand over Orbit College FC, Freese faces an immediate challenge. Magesi return to action this Friday against Golden Arrows in what will be a crucial fixture in their fight to avoid relegation.

For Nteo, who handled the interim period diplomatically, the decision marks a return to a supporting role, though the experience may prove pivotal in shaping his future coaching career.