Owen Da Gama, the seasoned coach with a resume boasting stints at Orlando Pirates, Bloemfontein Celtic, Highlands Park, and TS Galaxy, has offered his perspective on his surprising departure from Magesi FC.
Da Gama’s exit comes shortly after he successfully secured the club’s Betway Premiership status, a significant achievement given the challenging circumstances he inherited.
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Da Gama was brought in last season to replace Clinton Larsen, who had guided the Limpopo-based team to a remarkable Carling Knockout victory in the 2024/25 football season.
Despite navigating Magesi to safety in the top flight, Da Gama and the club were unable to agree on terms for the upcoming campaign, leading to his replacement by former Royal AM coach John Maduka.
Speaking to FARPost, Da Gama, who is currently unattached, downplayed any acrimony surrounding his departure. “I just think it didn’t happen [agree on a new deal] and we all move on,” he stated. “So I really don’t want to go into that. I have no grudges with Magesi.
I think I left them on happy terms, and they were happy with me. So it is just something that didn’t move forward, and that’s fine. As long as they gave me the opportunity to prove my worth and to show what I am capable of. So I thank Magesi for that. But apart, I think there is nothing sinister about my departure.”
Da Gama emphasized his satisfaction with the work he accomplished during his tenure, particularly highlighting the difficult position the team was in upon his arrival. “I thought I had a beautiful time at the club. It was very tough,” he explained. “I got in when the team was in a very tough situation, and nobody gave us a chance. But we worked hard and we worked smart.
I think the results were there to show for themselves, and I am glad I could help them out of relegation.” His comments underscore his belief that his performance spoke volumes, successfully steering the club away from the threat of relegation despite the odds.