As previously reported by Sportswire, Magesi FC has confirmed the appointment of Owen da Gama as their new head coach.

Da Gama succeeds Clinton Larsen, who resigned last weekend following Magesi’s 3-0 defeat to All-Stars in the Carling Cup at Orlando Stadium.

Initially, the club announced that Papi Zothwane would assume the role of interim head coach, assisted by Jackie Ledwaba.

Both individuals were on the bench during Magesi’s 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, with da Gama observing from the stands.

The 63-year-old coach, with a distinguished career including stints with Platinum Stars, South Africa’s U-23 national team, the interim Bafana Bafana position, Highlands Park, Sekhukhune United, TS Galaxy, and Black Leopards (from which he departed in June), has been seeking a new challenge.

Interestingly, like his predecessor Larsen, da Gama achieved success in the Carling Knockout Cup, winning the trophy with Silver Stars in 2006 when it was known as the Telkom Knockout.

Da Gama, who also boasts coaching experience with Orlando Pirates, will be expected to swiftly turn around the fortunes of Magesi. The club currently occupies the bottom of the league table with six points from 10 matches, two games fewer than 15th-placed Richards Bay.

Da Gama’s first match in charge of Magesi will be against his former club, TS Galaxy, at Mbombela Stadium on 4 January 2025.