Highbury FC and Magesi FC meet in early Motsepe Foundation Championship title test

Highbury FC and Magesi FC will contest top spot in the Motsepe Foundation Championship when the only two teams with perfect records meet at NMU Stadium today.

Magesi FC lead the standings on goal difference after taking nine points from their opening three matches. The Limpopo club were relegated from the Betway Premiership through the playoffs last season but moved quickly to prepare for life in the second tier.

Morgan Mammila joined as Director of Football, while Kabelo Sibiya was appointed head coach after the club parted company with Allan Freese. Sibiya guided Highbury FC to a sixth-place finish last season, but the club opted for a change of direction. He now faces his former side with Magesi FC, who have begun the campaign with three consecutive victories.

Highbury FC appointed Vusumuzi Vilakazi after Sibiya’s departure, and the new coach has made an encouraging start following a strong pre-season with the club. Highbury sit second in the table ahead of the meeting.

Players to watch

Highbury FC will look to captain Lulama Maqoko, whose winner secured victory away to Upington City in their previous match. Maqoko has played in all of the club’s matches so far and has been central to a defence that has recorded clean sheets in its past two games.

Lonwabo Bayeni provides another attacking threat for the hosts. He will aim to score in consecutive home matches after deciding Highbury FC’s last game at home, against Hope FC, with a free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Magesi FC’s main source of goals so far has been Nyakala Raphadu. He scored the winning goal in each of their first two league matches, against Midlands Wanderers and The Bees, and is currently the club’s leading scorer.

Matome Mabeba has also played an important role in midfield for Magesi FC. The former Baroka FC and Highlands Park player previously represented Highbury FC and will be hoping to score against his former club.

Defences set the early standard

Both teams have conceded only once in their opening three matches, underlining how closely matched they have been at the back.

Magesi FC have retained several important defenders from last season, including Lehlogonolo Mokone, Tshepo Mashigo and Diteboho Mofokeng. Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze also remains part of the club’s defensive structure.

Highbury FC have been similarly difficult to break down. Maqoko’s leadership has been significant, while the arrival and early involvement of right-back Gregory Damons have strengthened the side’s defensive work.