Da Gama rues Nange slip up
Player has now opted for Wits
While he does not hide the aim to bolster their squad with two or three players, Highlands Park coach Owen da Gama has explained how Bidvest Wits snatched Black Leopards midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange under his nose.
“I had spoken to Nange, who signed for Wits. I almost had the deal done there, but I think the financial muscles just took over and they got the player,” said Da Gama of Nange, who penned a pre-contract with Wits last week.
“There are still two or three other players we are really targeting. We want to do strategic signings. We are not going to sign for the sake of signing.” Da Gama insisted the Lions of the North were not playing to stave off relegation nor a top eight finish, but seek to be as competitive as possible.
“It’s not about topeight or fighting relegation. We wanted to come to the Premier Soccer League and add value and be as competitive as possible,” said Da Gama, after their away goalless stalemate to AmaZulu at the weekend.
“Our determination and competitive edge will determine where we end off. I’d like to emulate what I did at Silver Stars.
“We ended the first season 11th, the second seventh, the third fifth and the fourth second on the log and won the Telkom Cup,” Da Gama reflected.
Having accumulated 22 points from 17 matches, Highlands are emerging as one of this season’s surprise packages and a hard nut to crack.