How Da Gama interprets Royal AM saga’s influence on Magesi FC’s relegation fight
Magesi FC coach Owen Da Gama has shared his perspective on how the Royal AM saga is impacting his club’s relegation battle.
With the Shauwn Mkhize-owned club inactive, Magesi has climbed to 15th place. MaMkhize is currently facing tax issues that put the club in jeopardy. Thwihli Thwahla haven’t played since December and are now 11 games behind the rest of the league.
As a result, Dikwena Tsa Meetsi, who have been at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table all season, have moved up a spot with just 17 points from 21 games. After a 1-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday, Da Gama reflected on the circumstances.
The former Highlands Park and TS Galaxy coach believes that the team has improved and “closed the gap” under his leadership. Upon taking over in late December, the team had only achieved one win, three draws, and six losses in their first 10 matches.
This poor start left the Carling Knockout Cup winners struggling in 16th place with six points from a possible 30 and only four goals scored. In the 11 matches since he took charge, Da Gama has experienced six defeats, along with two draws.
WHAT DA GAMA SAID ABOUT THE ROYAL AM SAGA
The 63-year-old coach admitted that “in the back of his mind, there’s always that thing of the Royal AM thing”.
“But what we’re looking at now is that we are at the bottom of the log. That’s how we see it. We take it from that perspective that we are at the bottom of the log and need to get out there. We need to move out of that position,” Da Gama told journalists.
He believes the teams above them are not too far off, and his Magesi can catch up and avoid relegation. Richards Bay FC, currently 14th, sit on 18 points, just one ahead of Magesi. Marumo Gallants, in position 13, are just two points ahead of Da Gama’s side.
“What’s fortunate is that we’ve closed the margin a little bit, so we are behind by two or three points. Two wins could make a very big difference there.”
The veteran mentor urged his charges “to take each game as a cup final”.
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