Former Magesi FC head coach Owen Da Gama has explained his departure from the club, which came as a surprise.
Da Gama had a short but successful stint at the Betway Premiership side. He joined them in December 2024 while the club was languishing at the bottom of the table.
But a change of fortune under the 63-year-old saw the club move up the table. At some point, Magesi were in contention for a place in the MTN8 but they missed out by just two points.
Da Gama was also rewarded with a Betway Premiership coach of the month award in March after going five matches without a loss.
But in a shock turn of events, the club announced Da Gama’s departure and replaced him with former Royal AM mentor John Maduka.
OWEN DA GAMA FINALLY OPENS UP ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE CLUB
“I just think it didn’t happen [agree on a new deal] and we all move on,” Da Gama told FARPost.
“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,” he said.
WHAT THE FORMER MAGESI FC COACH MAKES OF HIS TIME AT THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SIDE
Da Gama also reflected on his tenure at the club, admitting that it wasn’t an easy task.
“I thought I had a beautiful time at the club. It was very tough. 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.”
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