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Former Orlando Pirates strategist is currently unemployed following sale of Highlands Park to TS Galaxy
Former South Africa U-23 national team coach Owen Da Gama says he was misquoted when he reportedly proposed Kaizer Chiefs to become the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) champion in comments that appeared to be undermining Mamelodi Sundowns.
Downs was crowned league champion on the final day of PSL’s career ahead of Chiefs, who had led the standings for 28 games.
Da Gama says his perceived favor for the Chiefs should not be taken as a soft spot for Amakhosi, as he had a good relationship with the Sundowns.
“I want to teach people about word extrapolation when you say a word and others take something from it and use it incorrectly,” Da Gama said according to Sowetan Live.
“I said based on what was happening at the time, it would be nice if the Chiefs went ahead and won, not because I hated the Sundowns.
“I said that if the Chiefs win the league title, it would be good for South African football in general. I want to categorically apologize to Sundowns because my words upset influential people in their field. I want to say I’m sorry.
“They perceive me as someone who hates the Sundowns, and that is not true. I like both the Chiefs and the Sundowns in the same way. How am I supposed to work at Sundowns when everything is getting out of proportion?
“I like the Sundowns setup and support their two coaches. I give them my 100% support and wish them the best for the new season ”.
With the veteran coach out of work after leaving Highlands Park, he was rumored to be heading to the Sundowns following Pitso Mosimane’s resignation as coach of the Brazilians.
But Downs has since appointed Steve Komphela as his “senior coach” to work with coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena.
Da Gama is considered one of the PSL’s best coaches and led Highlands Park to an undefeated streak after the restart of football in South Africa last season.
