By Michael Madyira
Magesi FC has been confirmed as 2023/24 National First Division champions, earning themselves promotion into the Premier Soccer League.
The Limpopo-based outfit beat Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup slayers Milford FC 3-1 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday to claim automatic promotion to the top-flight.
The victory saw Magesi open an unassailable eight-point lead with two matches remaining before the NFD campaign concludes.
Coached by former Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United and Chippa United boss Clinton Larsen, Magesi will be playing PSL football for the first time next season.
This is after they enjoyed a campaign in which they so far recorded 16 wins, seven draws and five defeats to seal promotion with two games to go.
They had in their books players with PSL experience like former Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, ex-Orlando Pirates defender Diamond Thopola and Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Darpoh — who previously spent six seasons at AmaZulu.
Magesi were also carried by former Chippa United and AmaZulu forward Rhulani Manzini, 2016 Olympic Games South Africa member Deon Mekoa and striker Edmore Chirambadare, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs.
Affectionately known as Dikwena tsa Meetse in Limpopo, Magesi were formed in 2011 while switching seasons between the NFD and third division until winning the ticket to play PSL football.
Their promotion leaves Baroka FC, JDR Stars, Maritzburg United, Casric Stars, Upington Town and Orbit College to fight for positions two and three.
The second and third-placed teams will qualify for the promotional play-offs where they will meet the team that finishes 15th in the PSL.
While Magesi gained promotion, last season’s Caf Confederation Cup semi-finalists Marumo Gallants face relegation from the NFD and are currently second from the bottom.
Pictured above: Newly-promoted PSL side Magesi FCÂ
Image source: Magesi FC
