Black Lions FC coach Owen Da Gama has made a bold pledge to Kaizer Chiefs after securing the services of their prized academy defender Xolani Cossa on loan.
Da Gama recently took over the reins at Lions. The club bought the status of VTM FC in the Botswana Premier League and are looking to strengthen their squad to be competitive.
For some time, Da Gama’s new club has been interested in signing the 22-year-old defender. With the rise of Aden McCarthy and the presence of Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross, Amakhosi are eager to offer Cossa a loan spell, as they see him as a promising player for the future.
Da Gama has since outlined his plans for the left-footed centre-back. He drew parallels with his role in developing Peter Shalulile, who recently surpassed Siyabonga Nomvethe’s goal-scoring record.
The former Highlands Park mentor was the first South African coach to work with the Mamelodi Sundowns striker, who went on to score 29 goals and provide eight assists during his time at the club before making a switch to Chloorkop.
WHAT DA GAMA SAID ABOUT XOLANI COSSA
“We’ve gone out into the market to bring in quality players and add to what we have here. Kaizer Chiefs have agreed to assist us, and this is the first signing. Hopefully, there will be more. We need to bring in quality to enhance football in Botswana. We are busy building a formidable team,” Da Gama told FARPost.
He mentioned that working with a player in Cossa’s position was an exciting prospect. He believes that the talented defender, blessed with impressive long-range passing and good ball-handling skills, can easily develop further due to his natural talent.
“I’ve been synonymous with the fact of grooming players. Peter [Shalulile] just broke Nomvethe’s record. There were so many other players that I developed,” he added.
In Cossa’s case, he said: “I’m aware that where he’s coming from, there’s a lot of pressure and a lot of defenders. This is an opportunity for him to come and enjoy his fame and experience senior team football in a different country. He’s not a player to be groomed. It’s just to get him out of the limelight and further nurture his development.”
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