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SABC Sport can reveal that Magesi FC are in advanced talks with Allen Freese to take over from John Maduka as coach for the remainder of the season.
Freese has emerged as a leading candidate as negotiations over Maduka’s settlement near completion, following his suspension and subsequent dismissal.
Maduka was first placed on ice two weeks ago, watching Magesi’s Betway Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates from the stands, before being formally axed.
The coach oversaw 15 league matches, managing just two wins, leaving the Limpopo-based outfit anchored to the bottom of the table and in urgent need of a turnaround to escape the relegation zone.
Freese is expected to step in almost immediately.
The well-travelled mentor has most recently been assisting lower-division sides, while his last major role saw him serve as technical adviser to Rulani Mokwena at Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club.
He spent nearly a season in Casablanca before Wydad parted ways with Mokwena and his backroom staff ahead of last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in June, opting instead to appoint local coaches.
It is understood Maduka’s settlement was due to be finalised on Monday, failing which he would have had to be reinstated.
However, his absence from Magesi’s travelling squad to Upington City for their Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash on Saturday – where they were eliminated – strongly suggests his departure is imminent.
The club is now lining up Freese to spearhead their survival bid, hoping he can replicate the impact Owen da Gama had last season, when Magesi flirted with relegation in their debut top-flight campaign before pulling clear.
Magesi host Golden Arrows at Seshego Stadium on Saturday night and will be eager to have Freese’s appointment wrapped up ahead of the crucial fixture.
