John Maduka relieved with first league win
Malawi national football team legend John Maduka was a relieved man after his side Bloemfontein Celtic claimed its first Dstv Premier Soccer League win this season after beating Black Leopards 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Before the match, Celtic had suffered a 4-2 loss to Cape Town City on Sunday.
According to www.goal.com, veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena scored the lone goal of the match in the second half.
“Phunya Sele Sele were desperate to record their maiden victory of the season in the league,” www.goal.com reports.
The result has pushed Maduka’s side out of the relegation zone to 14th on the league standings, with four points from five matches.
The win could be a boost for Maduka as his side will face the Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Maniema Union in the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday.
Despite struggling in the league this season, Maduka has guided Celtic to the MTN 8 Cup final after beating SuperSport United 2-1 on aggregate.
Celtic will face Gabadihno Mhango’s Orlando Pirates who knocked out rivals Kaizer Chiefs 5-0 on aggregate.
Maduka, who holds a Caf A Licence badge, started his coaching career as Celtic’s caretaker mentor in 2016 together with Lehlohonolo Seema but was redeployed to team manager later.
The 49-year-old, born in Thyolo District, helped Celtic to a top eight finish in the league last season.
Maduka played for Umtata Bush Bucks in 1998 before joining Amazulu FC in 2003. In 2004, he joined Celtic, a side he captained until retirement.
