Magesi turn to veteran defender Sibiya in bid for instant return to top flight

Magesi FC have moved to strengthen their defence with experienced centre-back Vusi Sibiya as the recently relegated club targets an immediate return to South Africa’s top division.

The Limpopo side dropped out of the Betway Premiership at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and has begun an aggressive rebuild ahead of the new Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

Club insiders say Sibiya, 32, has been training with Magesi as he looks to secure his next contract after spending last season with the University of Pretoria in the second tier of South African football.

Relegated Magesi signal serious intent

Magesi’s swift move to assess Sibiya underlines the club’s intention to mount a serious promotion challenge rather than consolidate in the second tier.

The defender brings substantial experience, having represented Baroka FC, Stellenbosch FC, Moroka Swallows and Marumo Gallants during a career spent largely in the Premiership.

Officials at the club are understood to view his know-how as crucial in stabilising a backline that struggled during the relegation campaign.

Sources close to the negotiations say Magesi are “considering adding the veteran defender to their ranks”, with his track record seen as an important asset in a division known for its physicality and tight margins.

Competition for places in rebuilt squad

Sibiya’s arrival in training does not yet guarantee a contract, and he is believed to be under assessment as the technical team weighs up options across the squad.

“It remains to be seen whether Sibiya will do enough to earn himself a deal,” one source said, but his presence has already been interpreted as a clear message that Magesi intend to blend experience with youth in their rebuilding plans.

The club has started reshaping its squad following the drop from the Premiership, with several departures expected and new arrivals being lined up to ensure the team is competitive from the opening weeks of the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Experience at the heart of promotion push

Sibiya’s potential signing would give Magesi a defender who has navigated both relegation battles and cup competitions, and who is familiar with the demands of South African professional football across multiple clubs.

At Baroka and Stellenbosch he gained a reputation as a physically imposing centre-back, while spells at Moroka Swallows and Marumo Gallants added further top-flight minutes and leadership responsibilities.

Magesi’s coaching staff are thought to be prioritising players who can adapt quickly and provide guidance to younger squad members, especially in defensive positions where organisation and communication are critical.

New chapter in Motsepe Foundation Championship

The Motsepe Foundation Championship has in recent seasons become increasingly competitive, with several former Premiership clubs battling for limited promotion places.

Magesi’s efforts to secure seasoned campaigners such as Sibiya suggest the club is determined to avoid a prolonged stay in the second tier.

While no official announcement has been made, the defender’s presence at the club’s preparations offers a glimpse into the strategy being assembled in Limpopo: a promotion push built on experience at the back, supported by a refreshed squad keen to make a swift return to the elite level.