Owen’s open to advice

CARETAKER COACH: DA GAMA HAS LISTENED TO MANY PEOPLE’S OPINIONS

He admits he would be honoured if he was offered Bafana job.

ollusion has lately been highlighted as a highly topical, if undesirable item on the international political spectrum. a most favourable and valuable manner while heightening the fortunes of Bafana Bafana.

In essence, Da Gama believes the Bafana coach, whoever he might be, should form a close liaison with all the leading coaches in the PSL, as well as with Safa technical director Neil Tovey, with the objective of receiving suggestions on how to implement his planning and also receive updates on the players in line for national team selection.

“Whatever my future with Bafana might be after Safa have finalised plans for the coaching make-up of the team,” said Da Gama, “this is something I would recommend as an established policy without any hesitation”.

“For my part, after years while involved with South African teams at junior, under-23 and senior level,” added Bafana’s caretaker coach, “I have never hesitated listening to the opinions of the Safa technical director and coaches like Gordon Igesund (Highlands Park), Steve Komphela (Kaizer Chiefs), Pitso Mosimane (Sundowns) and Stuart Baxter (SuperSport) – and, of course, Shakes Mashaba under whom I worked as well”.

“Finally,” said Da Gama, “it is the coach who makes the final decision and carries the can – but no coach should feel he is above taking good advice and this has always been my approach.”

As for Da Gama’s future, he says he has not applied for the position of Bafana coach on a permanent basis, but would consider it an honour if Safa offered him the position – and he would also be happy to continue as the assistant coach in the right circumstances.

In the meantime, he is absorbed in the friendly international fixtures against Guinea-Bassau and Angola – and listening to any good advice offered him.