Magesi Football Club, affectionately known as Dikwena Tsa Meetse (Crocodiles), has completed one of the most inspiring journeys in South African football. Founded in the rural village of Moletjie in 2011, the club climbed its way from the amateur leagues to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) — and in their very first top-flight season, stunned the nation by lifting the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup, defeating some of the country’s biggest teams.
🟨 SECTION 2: Club Overview
Quick Facts About Magesi FC
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Magesi Football Club |
| Nickname | Dikwena Tsa Meetse, Fakugesi |
| Founded | 2011 (originally as Tambo FC) |
| Location | Moletjie, Limpopo (based in Polokwane) |
| Founder/Chairman | Solly Makhubela |
| CEO | John Mathibe |
| Current Coach | Owen Da Gama |
| Stadiums | Old Peter Mokaba (primary), New Peter Mokaba (big fixtures) |
| League | DStv Premiership (Top Division) |
| Current Position | 12th in PSL (2024 season) |
| Major Trophy | 🏆 Carling Knockout Cup (2024) |
| Sponsors | None (self-funded and league-supported) |
🟨 SECTION 3: Humble Beginnings
Moletjie to Motsepe League — A Grassroots Origin
Founded in 2011 as Tambo FC, the club was renamed Magesi FC and began its climb through the amateur ranks. Starting in the SAB League, the team earned promotion to the ABC Motsepe League and eventually became champions of Limpopo. Known for strong organization and local scouting, Magesi quickly stood out as a serious football project from rural Limpopo.
🟨 SECTION 4: Early Glory and First NFD Promotion (2016)
From Local Heroes to National Contenders
- 🏆 2015/16 ABC Motsepe League National Champions
- 🎟️ Promoted to the NFD for the first time
- 💥 Known for their resilience despite limited resources
Magesi FC’s first promotion to the National First Division (NFD) in 2016 made national headlines. It was a major milestone for a rural club with modest infrastructure, showing that football excellence wasn’t limited to urban giants.
🟨 SECTION 5: Relegation and Resilience (2016–2022)
Falling Down but Rising Again
The club faced relegation after just one NFD season, but stayed active in the lower divisions. Their 2021/22 ABC Motsepe League playoff victory saw them promoted once again — this time with more experience and long-term plans for staying up.
🟨 SECTION 6: Premier Soccer League Entry & Carling Knockout Glory (2024)
A Dream Debut in the Top Flight
Key Achievements:
- 📈 Promoted to the PSL in 2023
- 🥉 Started badly but soon improved league position in 2024 PSL season
- 🏆 Carling Knockout Cup Champions 2024
Knockout Cup Run:
- ⚔️ Defeated Orlando Pirates in Round of 16
- 🛡️ Beat TS Galaxy in the Quarter-finals
- 🔥 Knocked out Richards Bay in the Semi-finals
- 👑 Shocked Mamelodi Sundowns in the Final
In their debut PSL season, Magesi FC did the unthinkable — lifting the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup. They didn’t just win — they beat four PSL heavyweights along the way, including Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. The victory cemented their place in football folklore and proved they belong in South Africa’s elite.
🟨 SECTION 7: Club Identity and Leadership
- Chairman: Solly Makhubela
- CEO: John Mathibe
- Head Coach: Owen Da Gama
Quote from Makhubela:
“It’s not about me. I take instruction from management and the coach. I just chair.”
🟨 SECTION 8: Home Grounds & Support
- 🏟️ Old Peter Mokaba (main venue)
- 🏟️ New Peter Mokaba (used for marquee matches)
🟨 SECTION 10: The Future
What’s Next for Dikwena Tsa Meetse?
From the dusty fields of Moletjie to lifting silverware in the PSL, Magesi FC has carved out a remarkable legacy in under a decade. With solid leadership, growing fan support, and elite-level ambition, the Crocodiles are no longer outsiders — they’re contenders.
