Magesi FC head coach Owen Da Gama has pointed out the areas of concern his side must fix and improve on to maintain their winning run as they aim to avoid the chop.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse are currently placed 12th on the Betway Premiership table with 23 points after 23 matches.
The Limpopo side managed to move out of the relegation zone after winning their last two matches, which were played at home [Seshego Stadium]. Magesi defeated Richards Bay FC and Golden Arrows with a scoreline of 1-0, respectively.
However, Magesi are not off the hook yet as they are just two points ahead of the 15th-placed SuperSport United on the log standings.
WHAT ARE THE AREAS OWEN DA GAMA NEEDS TO WORK ON
The ex-Orlando Pirates coach insists that his players need to improve on their failure to convert clear-cut chances and maintain ball possession.
According to Da Gama, the FIFA break provided an opportunity to address those issues, with players exerting additional effort and working diligently during training.
“I think we need to work on two areas of concern. Number one is possession, and number two is scoring,” said Da Gama. “You know, we do score, but we could be scoring more. For example, if you score a second goal, it takes off the pressure more and puts more pressure on the opponents.
“As a result, the opposition will start to open more and give you the opportunity to get the third goal. So, I think we really need to get the combination of scoring right and bury our chances.”
WHAT OWEN DA GAMA LEARNT WHEN HIS TEAM WAS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE
The well-travelled mentor, Da Gama, also revealed what he had learnt when his Magesi troops languished at the bottom of the table.
“You know, there’s something that I have learnt: the most precious mineral you can get is diamond. What is a diamond made of? Diamonds are made out of pressure, and when you are down there, you’re so under pressure, and it makes it so much difficult, unlike when you are in position eight on the table,” he added.
“Therefore, you have to get the minds and attitude of the players right and say go and play because it is much harder down there.”
Magesi’s next league assignment will be against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday, 29 March, at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane as the PSL season resumes after the FIFA international break. The match will start at 17:45.
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