Owen Da Gama has coached a huge number of Betway Premier League stars, but only one player managed to charm him into being instantly signed.
The 64-year-old has worked at clubs that include Silver Stars, Dynamos FC, Platinum Stars, Orlando Pirates, Bloemfontein Celtic and TS Galaxy.
He also worked at Sekhukhune United, Highlands Park and most recently Magesi FC. And he has identified players who went on to light up the Betway Premiership.
These include players like Surprise Moriri, Koketso Mmotong, Edward Williams and Given Msimango, among others.
However, only one player managed to make a lasting first impression that was enough to convince Da Gama to sign him immediately. Retired goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini remains the only player to have successfully charmed the veteran coach at first sight.
TAPUWA KAPINI IMPRESSED OWEN DA GAMA AT FIRST SIGHT
In an interview with FARPost, Da Gama, who is now head coach at Black Lions FC in Botswana, said he fell in love with Kapini’s exceptional reflexes and athletic ability to make saves at first sight in January 2007. Da Gama also opened up about his love for Zimbabwean players.
“Before Tendai Ndoro, my main man, I watched him once, and I signed him immediately. It was Tapuwa Kapini. They call him Campos. He was so good. I couldn’t think twice,” Da Gama told FARPost.
“Kapini was the first Zimbabwean I signed at Silver Stars, and after that, I signed Joel Lupahla. I also signed Bhekithemba Ndlovu. I don’t know if you remember him, the central defender. So I really love these Zimbabwean players, I really love them.”
Da Gama signed Kapini at Silver Stars after the retired goalie spent six years at Zimbabwe PSL giants Highlanders FC.
Kapini went on to play for AmaZulu FC, Highlands Park and then Sekhukhune United before retirement. In the Betway Premiership, he made a total of 200 appearances while also earning 11 appearances for the Zimbabwe National Team.
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