John Maduka quits Royal AM

Flames legend John Maduka has left the Royal AM coaching post before the start of the new season. Maduka, who had a great season with the club after it was bought from Bloemfontein Celtic and even helped them qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup, is believed to have already resigned from Royal AM with Maritzburg United being the destination.

Flames legend John Maduka has left the Royal AM coaching post before the start of the new season.

Maduka, who had a great season with the club after it was bought from Bloemfontein Celtic and even helped them qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup, is believed to have already resigned from Royal AM with Maritzburg United being the destination.

A source very close to the club and the coach told Times Sport that Maduka has signed a three-year contract with ‘The Team of Choice’ who are neighbours to Royal AM.

“It is true Maduka has resigned from Royal AM on personal grounds. Things looked good from the outside as the team was doing very well but he was not happy with a lot of things which were going on at the club. As much as they could have loved to keep him, he was not happy. It is actually him who took the decision to resign and take on a new challenge and it seems Maritzburg United is his next stop,” the source said.

Quizzed more on the issue, the source said Maduka is expected to be unveiled by Maritzburg United on Wednesday morning.

“If all goes well, he will be officially unveiled as United coach on Wednesday [tomorrow]. They have already agreed on terms and it is just a matter of tying up some few loose ends but it’s a done deal. He is a Maritzburg United coach,” the source said.

However, efforts to speak to Maduka proved futile Monday.

The former Flames midfielder was also nominated for the 2022-23 DStv Premiership Coach of The Season award but lost to Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Mabona Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena.

However, Maduka won the DStv Premiership Coach of The Month for February after he helped Royal AM collect 11 points from five matches from February 7 to March 20.

Sports analyst Sherry Msuku believes Maduka would shine at any team.

“He has proved that he is one of the best coaches. He can do well at Maritzburg. I think, it is time for him to face a new challenge,” Msuku said.

Maduka helped Royal AM finish on third position in the premiership with 47 points, 18 points behind champions Sundowns.

Royal AM will play in the Caf Confederation Cup next year.