Magesi FC are showing early signs that their stay in the Motsepe Foundation Championship could be a short one after Dikwena tša Meetse maintained their perfect start to the new campaign.
The Limpopo side have won all three of their opening league matches, collecting a maximum nine points to establish themselves among the early pacesetters in the National First Division.
Magesi completed their winning hat-trick on Saturday when they came from behind to beat Leicesterford City 3-1 at Mafori Mphahlele Stadium in Lebowakgomo.
The victory followed a 1-0 win over The Bees and another 1-0 victory against Midlands Wanderers, giving the newly-relegated side a 100 percent record after three matches.
The comeback against Leicesterford demonstrated the character of the team, with Bafedile Baloyi, Elmo Kambindu and Matome Mabeba finding the net in the second half after Magesi had gone into the break trailing.
The impressive beginning will provide encouragement to the club’s supporters, who are hoping that Magesi can make an immediate return to the Betway Premiership after being relegated at the end of last season.
Sibiya entrusted with promotion mission
The man charged with leading that promotion campaign is Kabelo Sibiya, who was appointed as Magesi’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Sibiya replaced Allan Freese following the club’s relegation and has already made an immediate impact, guiding the team to three victories from as many league matches.
Magesi confirmed Sibiya’s appointment in July, saying he would lead the technical team as the club targets a return to the top flight.
Sibiya is not unfamiliar with the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Before joining Magesi, he coached Highbury and helped the club establish itself in the professional ranks. His experience in the division could prove valuable as Magesi attempt to negotiate what is expected to be a highly competitive promotion race.
Magesi have also strengthened their football administration with the appointment of former Chippa United and Baroka FC coach Morgan Mammila as Director of Football. Mammila has been tasked with overseeing the club’s technical structure, recruitment, youth development pathway and overall football philosophy.
Highbury refusing to let Magesi escape
But Magesi are not alone at the top.
Highbury FC are also sitting on nine points after winning all three of their opening matches, meaning the two sides have emerged as the early pace-setters in the Championship.
Highbury followed victories over The Bees and Hope FC with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Upington City to maintain their own perfect record.
The two teams will now meet in what promises to be an intriguing early-season encounter.
Magesi face Highbury next
Magesi’s next league assignment will be against Highbury FC on Sunday, September 13, at the Nelson Mandela University Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00.
The match could therefore have an immediate impact at the summit, with both clubs entering the encounter on nine points.
For Magesi, victory would not only keep their 100 percent record intact but could give Sibiya’s charges an early psychological advantage over one of their closest promotion rivals.
For Highbury, the encounter carries an added significance because their former coach Sibiya will now be sitting on the opposite bench.
With both sides unbeaten and perfect after three matches, Sunday’s clash could provide the first major indication of which team is prepared to lead the promotion race.