Owen Da Gama: Magesi star John Mokone deserves Defender of the Season nomination

Under the guidance of veteran coach Owen Da Gama, who took over when the club was rooted to the bottom of the Betway Premiership with just 6 points from 10 games, Magesi rallied to finish 13th with 31 points. Despite the upheaval caused by Royal AM's expulsion, which impacted the standings mid-season, Da Gama instilled resilience in his squad.

Key to that turnaround was 26-year-old defender John Mokone. Featuring in 29 matches across all competitions, Mokone contributed one goal and four assists. His consistency and attacking impetus from the left flank did not go unnoticed, earning him a nomination from Da Gama for the prestigious Betway Premiership Defender of the Season award.

"There is no doubt about it. I mean, he [Mokone] won a cup and played in all the games of the cup. Also, in all the games that we won here at Seshego Stadium, apart from the SuperSport United game, he didn't play," Da Gama told FARPost.

"In all the other games where we were beating teams here, and even when we beat Polokwane City FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, we then went away to Richards Bay FC and drew there, and travelled to TS Galaxy where we also drew. He played an important role in those matches.

"So, I agree that he deserves a nomination for the Defender of the Season. He did exceptionally well this season. He is a defender who has been a standout for us."

Mokone's crowning moment came in November 2024, when Magesi FC stunned heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the Carling Knockout final at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. The triumph marked a historic victory for the club and underlined Mokone's importance to the team.