Struggling Side Magesi Wield An Axe
Struggling side Magesi has made significant squad changes, parting ways with several players.
The club has released former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Kgaogela Sekgota. Jacob Everson, Tumelo Njoti, Mokhele Moloisane, and Bongani Mpandle are others who are set to be shown the door by the club, Sportswire has learned.
This website has also learned that Deolin Mekoa was initially released but successfully appealed his dismissal and subsequently played in the goalless draw against Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Friday.
“The management made a decision, and I cannot go against it; it’s collective, I’m also part of it,” said da Gama. “But I found things there.”
Da Gama, who replaced Clinton Larsen in December, explained the reasons behind the player changes. “There were many complaints; there were cliques within the team. We had to sort all of that out,” said da Gama. “Fortunately enough, management had already planned to release some players and for us to bring in some players.
“So, we are not finished with our signings. There are two or three more signings, with a bit more experience, coming in, who will really come and help us. We are really looking forward to getting these players in and seeing Thabang Sibanyoni on the field.”
Following Larsen’s departure, Papi Zothwane, who joined the club during the off-season and took over as interim coach before da Gama’s arrival, also left the club when da Gama was appointed. Sportswire understands that Zothwane and da Gama did not get along, leading to Zothwane’s departure. Zothwane is now part of the coaching staff at Richards Bay and was on the bench for their draw against Magesi on Friday.
“We had a good relationship,” said da Gama when asked about reports of a falling out with Zothwane. “I actually spoke to Papi in a meeting with the entire management, as well as Jacky Ledwaba, and told them that wherever I have coached, the assistant coach becomes the head coach when I leave, and that has always happened. Clinton Larsen was my assistant (at Bloemfontein Celtic) and took over from me, as did Victor Tshabalala and Alan Freese, who were also my assistants. Alan is now in Morocco, I think [with Wydad Casablanca with Rulani Mokwena], and Victor is the head coach of Highlands Park.
“I said to them [Jacky and Zothwane], ‘Boys, let’s work together, and one day you can take over. Get ready, learn, get more experience, get your qualifications right, and one day you will take over, so let’s work together.’
“That is the relationship we had. You can see coach Jackie; he stands longer than me on the sideline there. That is the relationship we had. They were free; we worked together. They were not just ball boys; we planned the sessions together. It was all about the collective. So, if there is anything said to the contrary, I don’t know where it comes from, really.”
