Veteran coach Owen Da Gama has been appointed as the new head coach of Betway Premiership club Magesi FC, marking his return to club management for the first time since the 2020-21 season. The 63-year-old takes over from Clinton Larsen, who resigned earlier this month citing frustrations with management interference.
Da Gama's appointment comes at a critical time for the newly promoted Limpopo side, which is currently languishing at the bottom of the league table with just one win from 10 matches. His unveiling took place at a press conference on Monday, following Magesi’s home defeat to Orlando Pirates under interim coach Papi Zothwane.
Renowned for his extensive coaching experience, Da Gama is no stranger to the South African football scene. He made his mark by guiding Silver Stars to top-flight promotion in 2003 and securing the 2006 Telkom Knockout title. Over the years, he has held coaching roles at clubs such as Orlando Pirates, Free State Stars, and Bloemfontein Celtic, as well as a successful return to Platinum Stars.
Da Gama’s national team contributions include leading South Africa’s U-23 team to the 2014 Rio Olympics and a stint as caretaker coach for Bafana Bafana. His most recent positions in club football were with Highlands Park, TS Galaxy, and Sekhukhune United, although he admitted that a co-coaching arrangement at Sekhukhune was not ideal for him.
With an impressive tally of 388 games as a coach in South Africa’s top-flight leagues, including 124 wins, 137 draws, and 126 losses, Da Gama brings valuable experience to Magesi. His primary challenge will be steering the team away from relegation and ensuring their survival in the Premiership.
Da Gama’s first test as Magesi head coach will be an away match against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. Magesi will hope to replicate their earlier success this season when they shocked Galaxy in the Carling Knockout.
The experienced coach’s return adds a new dimension to Magesi’s battle for survival, with fans eagerly anticipating his impact on the struggling team.
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