Magesi FC is on the brink of appointing Kabelo Sibiya as its new head coach, a move aimed at fast‑tracking the club back to the Betway Premiership after last season’s relegation. Sources say the agreement is finalised and an official announcement is expected this week.

Who is Kabelo Sibiya?

Sibiya spent the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 campaigns at Highbury FC, guiding the Eastern Cape side to a respectable sixth‑place finish in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Before that he cut his teeth at TS Sporting and Venda FC, earning a reputation for disciplined defensive structures and pragmatic attacking play. His departure from Highbury was confirmed in June 2026, with Vusumuzi Vilakazi named as his successor.

Why Magesi FC need a new coach?

The Limpopo‑based club suffered a painful drop after losing the PSL Promotion/Relegation Play‑offs last season. Their current league standing sits at 15th in the Premier Soccer League, with 24 points from 30 games (5W‑9D‑16L) and a recent form of W‑L‑L‑L‑D. They have scored 24 goals while conceding 43, leaving a –19 goal difference. With the leaders Orlando Pirates 45 points clear, Magesi’s window for a swift bounce‑back is narrow, and a seasoned tactician is essential.

What does the appointment mean for the promotion push?

If Sibiya takes the helm, he will inherit a squad that has already begun reshaping under new Director of Football Morgan Mammila. Mammila, confirmed earlier this month, will oversee recruitment, youth development and the overall football philosophy. The club plans to unveil a refreshed technical team and several signings from the DStv Diski Challenge, indicating a blend of experience and youthful vigor. Sibiya’s track record of stabilising clubs in the second tier could prove decisive in navigating the grueling PSL schedule.

When will the club confirm the deal?

KickOff reports that Magesi FC will hold a press conference within the next few days to introduce Sibiya, the technical staff and the incoming players. The timing aligns with the start of pre‑season training, giving the new boss a short but crucial period to implement his systems before the league kicks off in August. Fans can expect a full briefing on tactics, fitness regimes and the club’s ambition to reclaim top‑flight status.

Magesi FC’s gamble on Sibiya reflects a broader strategy: combine seasoned leadership with fresh talent to close the gap on the league’s elite. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the partnership can rewrite the club’s recent narrative and end a season that currently sees them languishing near the bottom of the table.