Magesi FC head coach Owen Da Gama has endorsed one of his star players for a PSL award following the end of the 2024/25 season.
The Limpopo club finished in position 13 with 31 points on the Betway Premiership table after 28 matches.
Da Gama took over the coaching reins at Dikwena Tsa Meetse following Clinton Larsen‘s resignation live on national television in December last year.
Larsen’s resignation came after the club were humiliated by the Carling All-Stars team with a 3-0 scoreline in the Carling Black Label Cup held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 21 December 2024.
At the time Da Gama was appointed the club’s new coach, Magesi were languishing at the basement [16th place] of the log standings with six points from 10 games, this was before Royal AM’s expulsion from the SA top-flight.
THE PLAYER OWEN DA GAMA BELIEVES DESERVES PSL AWARD
After displaying good performances, Da Gama tipped talented left-back John Mokone for the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season award.
Mokone participated in 29 matches across all competitions for Magesi this season. He also found the back of the net once and contributed four assists.
In addition, the 26-year-old was part of the Magesi squad that beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in November last year in the Carling Knockout final that was held at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
“There is no doubt about it. I mean, he [Mokone] won a cup and played in all the games of the cup. Also, in all the games that we won here at Seshego Stadium, apart from the SuperSport United game, he didn’t play,” Da Gama told FARPost.
“In all the other games where we were beating teams here, and even when we beat Polokwane City FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, we then went away to Richards Bay FC and drew there, and travelled to TS Galaxy where we also drew. He played an important role in those matches.
“So, I agree that he deserves a nomination for the Defender of the Season. He did exceptionally well this season. He is a defender who has been a standout for us.”
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