Magesi FC head coach, Owen Da Gama, has broken his silence on the sudden departure of assistant coach Papi Zothwane and winger Kgaogelo Sekgota, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding their exit from the club shortly after he took charge.
Da Gama, who joined Magesi FC with high hopes of turning around the club’s fortunes, revealed that both Zothwane and Sekgota’s departures were driven by personal and professional reasons that were beyond his control. According to the coach, these exits were not part of any broader issues within the team but rather were individual decisions made by the two.
Regarding Papi Zothwane, Da Gama explained that the former player-turned-coach had expressed concerns about his role and responsibilities within the team setup. “Papi is a man of integrity, and when he joined, we spoke openly about the direction the team would take. However, after a few weeks, he decided that he wanted to pursue other opportunities, which is something I fully respect,” Da Gama said. “It was not an easy decision for him, but he made it clear that he felt it was time to move on for his own personal growth.”
Da Gama acknowledged the contribution Zothwane had made in his short time at Magesi FC, but he emphasized that coaching staff changes are a natural part of football and often lead to the evolution of both the club and individual careers.
As for winger Kgaogelo Sekgota, Da Gama revealed that the player’s departure was more related to his career aspirations. “Kgaogelo has always been a talented player, and I believe he has a bright future ahead of him. However, he felt that a move away from Magesi FC would help him advance his career and reach the next level,” Da Gama explained. “I’ve spoken to him, and we understand each other. Sometimes in football, players need to make decisions that they feel are in the best interest of their career, and I respect that.”
Sekgota, who had shown flashes of brilliance in his time with Magesi FC, had been one of the players Da Gama had hoped to build the team around. However, Da Gama added that while Sekgota’s exit was unfortunate, he believed that it opened the door for other players to step up and showcase their talents.
With the departures of Zothwane and Sekgota, Da Gama remains focused on strengthening the squad and continuing his work at Magesi FC. “The loss of two important figures in the squad has been challenging, but football is always about adaptation. We have a great group of players, and the focus remains on getting results,” Da Gama asserted. “I have a clear vision for the team, and I’m confident that we can move forward and achieve success.”
The head coach concluded by expressing his gratitude to both Zothwane and Sekgota for their contributions to the club, stating that their exits would not derail Magesi FC’s plans for the future. He also made it clear that the team would continue to work hard and push forward, building on the foundation he was laying. “I wish both Papi and Kgaogelo all the best in their respective careers, and we’ll keep working to achieve our goals at Magesi.”
As Magesi FC gears up for the next phase of the season, Da Gama’s leadership and ability to adapt to changes will be crucial in ensuring the club’s continued progress despite the unexpected departures.
