He had almost finished his career: How TS Galaxy saved Maduna

TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic believes Siphesihle Maduna has the talent to break into the Bafana Bafana setup — provided he maintains his resurgence and continues working with the same hunger that revived his career.

Maduna, once considered a fading talent after difficult spells at AmaZulu and Cape Town Spurs, has found new life in Mpumalanga. 

The 26-year-old joined Galaxy on a free transfer at the start of the 2024/25 season and has since delivered 32 appearances, a goal and two assists, but more importantly, consistent performances that have restored his reputation as a dynamic, technically gifted midfielder.

For Beganovic, Maduna’s revival is no accident. It is the product of deliberate, patient and holistic rebuilding.

“It’s not only Maduna who came, we also had many players like that, we just had to do things from the beginning,” Beganovic explained.

“First of all, we started with his mental strength. He came and was empty tactically, physically and mentally. He had almost finished his career.”

The coach revealed that what kept Maduna alive in the club’s planning was his natural ability — something the staff were determined not to waste.

“But we saw his quality and we knew it would be tough. Probably, we just needed more time for him to adapt and teach him,” Beganovic said.

“First of all, we needed to explain, to show him and explain to him the beautiful game, sports and that he needed to focus and work hard.”

According to the coach, the process went far deeper than routine conditioning or tactical drills. The club dedicated specific, lengthy sessions to re-educating Maduna on all aspects of the game.

“We spent days working with him not only physically but tactically too. We analysed everything and every moment. I think he is a good player and good human being,” he added.

Maduna’s transformation has not only made him a key figure in Beganovic’s system but, in the coach’s eyes, elevated him to a level where national team football is a realistic ambition.

“Maybe if he stays healthy and works hard. Maybe he can even play for Bafana Bafana because he has the quality,” Beganovic said. “With another break in January, he can be much, much better.”

For a player once thought to be drifting out of top-flight relevance, such belief from his head coach is a powerful endorsement. And if Maduna’s upward curve continues, it may only be a matter of time before Bafana boss Hugo Broos takes notice.