De Gama has no regrets over fielding reserves

It came as a surprise to many when high-riding Highlands Park were surprisingly eliminated in the first round proper of the Nedbank Cup against appreciably less-fancied National First Division opponents Stellenbosch FC.

And many viewed it with even more shock when it was revealed that Highlands had fielded a virtual reserve line-up in what emerged as the speedy early elimination from the country’s premier knockout cup event.

But Highlands have no regrets as they approach the prospect of regaining a place in the Absa Premiership with a nine-point advantage at the top of the National First Division.

And although Highlands were shaded 1-0 after dominating much of the match against Stellenbosch, coach Owen da Gama’s gamble produced dividends with a stunning 4-0 win over Cosmos last weekend.

As for the Nedbank Cup defeat against Stellenbosch, it was the first loss Highlands had suffered in a record 17 games since De Gama took over as coach and precipitated a striking revival of the club’s fortunes after three defeats.

“The thought of maintaining a personal record never entered my mind in deciding the tactical selection decision,” said Da Gama. “From a professional point of view the promotion issue had to come first.

“And, furthermore,” he added, “playing against Stellenbosch gave our fringe players valuable exposure and match competition, while allowing us to gauge how they shaped in a big-match environment.”