By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Magesi Football Club have appointed former Orlando Pirates and Highlands Park boss Owen Da Gama as head coach with immediate effect.
Da Gama replaces interim coaches Papi Zothwane and Jackie Ledwaba, who stepped in following Clinton Larsen’s resignation.
Da Gama’s immediate challenge is to guide Magesi FC out of their precarious position at the bottom of the table. His first test will be an away clash against his former team, TS Galaxy.
This fixture will provide insight into how quickly he can implement his strategies. The pressure to secure points and lift the team’s morale will be immense. A positive start could signal a turning point for both Da Gama and the struggling side.
“The main focus now is to turn the corner. We’re not even mentioning the word relegation. That doesn’t exist. I think it’s about just turning the corner and getting results, “he told journalists after his unveiling in Polokwane.
He blamed the challenging run on injuries and suspensions. “I think the injuries didn’t help the team,” he added.
Da Gama is convinced the many changes in the squad, particularly for league games, also affected the team.
He has named two players who could add a fresh spark to the team. “I’m trying to pick up everybody. Everybody is important in this team. If we can get Gift Motupa right, if we can get Kgaugelo Sekgota right to be where they’re supposed to be at their maximal operations levels. I think it will help the team a lot,” explained Da Gama.
Da Gama is a highly experienced tactician who has managed 388 games in South Africa’s top flight, winning 124, drawing 137 and losing 126, with his last job in the dugout coming in the 2020-21 season when he handled Sekhukhune United alongside McDonald Makhubedu.
The 63-year-old took South Africa’s U23 to the 2016 Rio Olympics having previously handled Bafana Bafana briefly as well as Platinum Stars, Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtics.