From crisis to calm: John Maduka opens up on surviving Celtic and Royal AM chaos

Magesi FC head coach John Maduka has lifted the lid on the personal and professional battles that shaped his coaching career — from Bloemfontein Celtic’s collapse to Royal AM’s financial chaos — before finding stability with the defending Carling Knockout Cup champions.

The Malawian tactician’s journey has been one of endurance and faith. 

Having taken charge of Celtic in 2020 following Lehlohonolo Seema’s departure to Chippa United, Maduka quickly found himself steering a team gripped by deep financial turmoil. 

Salaries were delayed, morale dipped, and the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future grew heavier with each passing week.

By 2021, that crisis reached breaking point when Celtic’s status was sold to Royal AM, effectively ending a historic chapter in South African football. 

For Maduka, it was both a professional blow and a test of resilience. 

He and his players were relocated to KwaZulu-Natal, continuing their careers under the new Royal AM banner — but even that came with fresh challenges.

“As time went on, Royal AM also had good moments, but we started facing similar problems again,” Maduka reflected. 

“It’s been a very tough journey for me — at Royal AM, we had good moments, and at Celtic too, we had good moments. We took both teams to Africa.”

Royal AM’s troubles deepened earlier this year when the club was seized by SARS over millions in unpaid taxes owed by owner Shauwn Mkhize, and later expelled from the Premier Soccer League in April. 

Once again, Maduka found himself without a job and uncertain of the future.

“Some things happened after that. So, it has been a very, very difficult road,” he said. 

“But what kept me going has been my family that has been very supportive. They understand that everything that happens in life happens for a reason.”

Now at Magesi, Maduka says he feels grounded and refocused — drawing strength from his faith and the new environment around him.

“God doesn’t test you with something that you can’t handle. With the help of God, I managed to survive,” he said. 

“It’s not easy, because it still plays in my mind what I’ve been through. But as long as I’m alive, life has to move on.”

Maduka, who guided Magesi into the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals last week, believes the club represents a new beginning.

“I’m happy to be part of Magesi. The chairman and his family have been very supportive — the supporters, players and staff as well. It’s part of life, because what happened before was more than just football. When you go through a rough time, you learn to appreciate everything around you.”