Magesi FC coach John Maduka has opened up on tough times he’s had in his previous clubs Royal AM and Bloemfontein Celtic.
The Malawian coach took the reins at Celtic in 2020, stepping in to replace Lehlohonolo Seema after he departed for Chippa United.
However, his first season as the club’s head coach was marred by severe financial problems at the club, a crisis that culminated in the team’s demise and subsequent sale to Royal AM in 2021.
Following a long period of uncertainty over his future, Royal AM’s purchase of the club was a boon, as they brought both him and the players to KwaZulu-Natal.
As time went on, Thwihli Thwahla experienced similar financial struggles. Moreover, SARS took control of the club in early 2025 to recoup millions in outstanding taxes owed by its owner, Shauwn Mkhize.
When the club was expelled by the PSL in April, Maduka was left in limbo again, finding himself clubless once more until he joined Magesi ahead of the start of the current season.
Maduka described his coaching career as a “tough journey”, noting that his family’s unwavering support has been vital throughout the entire process.
“It’s been a very tough journey for me, at Royal AM, we had good moments, at Celtic, we had good moments, we took the team to Africa, just like we did with Royal AM,” said Maduka.
“Some things happened after that. So, it has been a very, very difficult road. But what kept me going has been my family that has been very supportive.
“But then they understand that everything that happens in life happen for a reason.
“God doesn’t test you with something that you can’t handle. So, with the help of God, I managed to survive, it’s not easy as one says because it still plays in my mind what I’ve went through.
“But I believe that, as long as I’m alive, life has to move on. So, here I’m standing, I’m happy to be part of Magesi. The chairman and his family have been very supportive, the supporters, players and the supporting staff as well.
“That has helped me to understand that it’s part of life. With this one, I say it’s part of life because it’s more than football when something happens to the team and you go through rough time.”