Magesi FC have opted not to extend the contract of head coach Owen Da Gama despite the veteran tactician steering the club clear of relegation.
Da Gama took charge of the Limpopo-based outfit when they were anchored near the bottom of the table. He proceeded to lead the side to a respectable 13th-place finish, ending the season above more established sides such as SuperSport United and Cape Town City.
Yet, despite his impact, Magesi have decided to part ways with the 63-year-old, a decision that has raised eyebrows around the local football community.
Da Gama confirmed his departure to KickOff, clarifying that the decision was not driven by financial issues or team performance.
“Yes, I have parted ways with Magesi,” said ‘ODG’. “Our separation is not about money; we simply couldn’t agree on certain terms. Let’s move on.”
Da Gama explained that the club initially wanted him to commit to a two-year deal, but he preferred a short-term agreement to assess the project. “I initially agreed to a six-month contract. When they came back saying, ‘We can’t agree on terms,’ I accepted that. I said, ‘If I’m not good enough, then I’m not good enough.'”
Despite the exit, Da Gama maintains that relations remain amicable. He expressed gratitude to club chairman Solly Makhubela, who has reportedly left the door open for a potential future role at the club in a different capacity.
“He mentioned something about me possibly coming back as a technical director one day,” Da Gama added. “I told him it’s okay, and I’ll see what God has in store for me. We’ve parted ways on good terms, and I’m now looking forward to new opportunities.”
Da Gama’s departure adds to a growing list of off-season managerial changes in the PSL, in what has already proven to be one of the most unpredictable coaching markets in recent years.