Magesi Season Review: Dikwena Tsa Meetse make history, defy the odds in maiden top-flight season

The PSL top-flight newcomers unveiled 12 new signings ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, including former Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch winger Kgaogelo Sekgota and ex-Mamelodi Sundowns striker Gift Motupa.

Magesi then began their season with two back-to-back losses to Sekhukhune United and rivals Polokwane City, failing to score in either match, before securing their first win in the top-flight division against Golden Arrows in Durban.

Dikwena Tsa Meetse then shocked local football by knocking out Jose Riveiro's cup specialist Orlando Pirates 3-2 in a Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 thriller, after Magesi had led 3-0 at half time.

The victory inspired the Premiership newcomers, as they held Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs to draws before going on a wonderful run in the Carling Knockout Cup.

The Clinton Larsen-led side came back from a goal behind in the final, to surprisingly defeat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1, and clinch their first domestic trophy in their maiden top-flight season.

However, the old 'hoodoo' of teams struggling to get results in the league after a cup title win came true, with the team losing their next three league games.

A 3-0 loss to the Carling All Stars in the Carling Black Label Cup was immediately followed by the shock post-match interview with SABC Sport, as coach Clinton Larsen announced his resignation.

After a 1-0 loss against Orlando Pirates under interim coach Papi Zothwane, Magesi announced the appointment of veteran PSL coach Owen Da Gama as the new head coach.

Dikwena continued to struggle, going winless in their next six matches under da Gama, including a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 elimination against SuperSport United and three losses in the Betway Premiership.

With the team firmly rooted at the bottom of the table at the halfway mark, they dug deep to record their first consecutive victories in the league against SuperSport United and Polokwane City.

The next four league matches saw Dikwena lose three matches and win only once, to leave them in 14th place, dangerously above the relegation play-off spot.

Magesi then managed to emphatically pull away from the danger zone, winning their next four league matches, to see them move up to tenth place on the table.

The impressive run of form earned head coach Owen Da Gama the PSL Coach of the Month award for March, with the possibility of ending the season in the coveted top eight spots.

Despite three draws and one loss to Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the Limpopo-based side managed to finish the season in 13th position, securing top-flight football for the 2025/26 season.

According to reports, the team will retain coach Owen Da Gama for the 2025/26 season. The team will need to sign a few more experienced players in key positions in order to avoid another relegation battle next season.

Key stats from Dikwena Tsa Meetse's season:

Key player              - Mncedi Vandala (6 goal contributions - 4 goals, 2 assists)
Top goalscorers    - Delano Abrahams (5 goals)
Most minutes         - John Mokone (2524 minutes played)
Clean sheets          - 12 (All Elvis Chipezeze)