Two SA coaches that Da Gama believes should be given credit

Former under-23 coach Owen Da Gama has named two SA-born coaches he believes should be credited with paving the way for local colleagues who are now attracting interest from outside the country.

Local coaches have been taking the challenge to coach in other African countries and some in Europe.

Willy Moloto was the latest to secure a move abroad after he was appointed at Ghanaian side Real Academicals. Thabo Senong recently returned from a short stint at Tanzanian side Singida Fountain Gate. Senong was also head coach of the Lesotho national team between 2019 and 2021.

There have also been reports of interest from North African countries for Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach, Rulani Mokwena. In 2022, current Sekhukhune United coach Lehlohonolo Seema was one of the coaches shortlisted to take over at Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak.

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Da Gama says the sudden interest should be credited to the success of Pitso Mosimane and Morena Ramoreboli outside SA.

“Let’s be honest about it. The person who should get credit and is very instrumental is Pitso Mosimane,” Da Gama told FARPost.

“He has proven that South Africa has one of the best coaches, and he also went to prove that he is one of the best in the continent. I think that opened up a lot of doors and gave a lot of respect to South African coaches in the African continent.”

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“We must also give credit to Ramoreboli because, in the SADC region, he went to Lesotho and won the league. He also went to Botswana and won the league. So I think he must also get credit, you know,” added Da Gama.

“Between Pitso and him and the contribution of Sundowns in the [CAF] Champions League. As well as, to an extent, Orlando Pirates. They have all contributed to the respect that a lot of coaches are getting.

“The fact that Sundowns with Rulani Mokwena are doing exceptionally well on the African continent. That’s where the credit should also go. There is no doubt about it.”

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