Veteran coach Owen Da Gama has parted ways with Botswana Premier League side Black Lions. The club announced on Wednesday that it has “amicably parted ways, by mutual agreement,” with Da Gama.
Lions expressed its gratitude to the former TS Galaxy and South Africa U-23 coach, acknowledging his “commitment, professionalism, and contribution” during his tenure.
“Black Lions FC would like to express its sincere gratitude to Coach Da Gama for his commitment, professionalism, and contribution during his time with the Club. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” the club’s press release stated.
Da Gama, affectionately known as ‘Rubber Doll,’ took the helm at Black Lions just after they acquired the top-flight status of VTM FC ahead of the current season, in August. He had signed a reported three-year contract, with his initial mandate focused on building the team and avoiding relegation.
WHAT NEXT FOR BLACK LIONS
The coaching change follows a challenging start to the 2025/26 Botswana FNB Premiership campaign for the club. Lions, assembled a few weeks before the start of the season, struggled early, suffering three consecutive defeats.
The Gaborone club has won three games, four draws and lost seven times. Despite an initial rocky patch, Da Gama had remained defiant, telling the media that improving the team was a “process” given the club’s lack of a pre-season.
Recent results saw a glimmer of improvement, but the team’s overall standing remained precarious, hovering near the bottom of the 16-team league table. They are currently 10th on the Botswana Premier League table.
One of Da Gama’s key initiatives was signing Kaizer Chiefs loanee Xolani Cossa, intended to strengthen the squad and advance its development mandate.
Meanwhile, the club’s statement indicated that “further updates regarding the Club’s technical bench” would be announced soon, leaving the door open for speculation on who will take over the reins as the club navigates its debut season in the top-flight.
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