Axe falls on Owen Da Gama in Botswana

Former Orlando Pirates coach Owen Da Gama has lost his job at Botswana’s newest FNB Premiership club, Black Lions FC.

The seasoned South African coach accepted the challenge of managing the rookies even when it was clear that doing so was a difficult task, considering how the team found its way into Botswana’s top-flight league.

Black Lions FC released a statement on Wednesday confirming the mutual separation with the man who was also sacked at Betway Premiership outfit Magesi FC before the start of the season in South Africa.

How Owen Da Gama left Magesi for Black Lions FC

He had joined Magesi FC on 30 December 2024 and presided over 19 league matches, winning seven, drawing five and losing seven.

Under his watch, Magesi survived relegation after finishing in 13th place. Da Gama won the Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for March for steering Magesi away from the relegation zone following four wins in five games in all competitions.

The former Platinum Stars manager had taken over the reins from Clinton Larsen who quit the rookies.

Magesi had an up-and-down season as they won the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup after stunning Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 late last year only for the wheels to come off. However, league form dipped and Larsen jumped ship.

Just when it was expected that Da Gama would take charge of Dikwena Tša Meetse beyond the six months he spent with them after succeeding Larsen, he was fired. The ex-Highlands Park crossed the borders to Botswana for the greener pastures, which have since dried up.

Now, things didn’t work out well for the veteran coach in Botswana with Black Lions confirming his dismissal via a statement.

“Black Lions Football Club wishes to inform its supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that the club has amicably parted ways, by mutual agreement, with head coach Owen Da Gama,” the statement reads.

“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. Further updates regarding the club’s technical bench will be communicated in due course.”

Da Gama has left the club in 10th spot with 13 points from 14 matches.