Owen da Gama has declared himself qualified and ready to take over the Bafana Bafana hot seat on a permanent basis.
His comments come on the eve of the South African Football Association naming the new Bafana coach who will replace Shakes Mashaba who was fired in December for misconduct.
If media reports are anything to go by, former Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol will be introduced as the new man at the helm after Safa president Danny Jordaan promised that the new coach will be named after Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Angola.
In a post-match press conference on Tuesday, Da Gama said he was ready to replace Mashaba if he would be offered the job.
His tone painted a picture of a disappointed man who might have been overlooked for the national team coaching job.
Asked if he would be willing to take the position permanently, Da Gama said it was every coach’s dream to coach a national team.
“Whatever happens will happen but I think I’m very capable. I’ve proved it beyond any doubt. I hear about people qualifying and I’m not qualifying. I don’t understand that, I think I should understand it a little bit more.
“With the exposure that we got at U23 with over 50 matches that I’ve been part of Bafana Bafana understanding our culture of football, watching over 1200 games in the country – I think I have an idea of what’s happening within the national set-up and with our players.”
Da Gama said his more than 11 years Premier Soccer League experience which saw him coaching at Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars made him well-versed.
“I don’t say I’m the right man. What I’m saying is I certainly believe I understand South African football very, very well and I know players in South Africa.
“So I think I have an understanding of what’s at hand and I think I have the experience,” said Da Gama.
He has been the caretaker coach while Safa searched for the new coach.
He is unbeaten in his two matches as Da Gama-led Bafana to a convincing 3-1 victory against Guinea-Bissau and the goalless draw with Angola.
To his credit, he recalled Kermit Erasmus and Kamohelo Mokotjo, players who had been frustrated and exiled by Mashaba.
He also introduced exciting youngsters in Phakamani Mahlambi and Luther Singh.
For the first time in years, fans seem to rally behind the team as the national team has been playing some good football with a bit of flair.
He believes the current generation of players have what it takes to qualify for the World Cup – something SA has not done since 2002.
To achieve that, the new coach would have to keep the bulk of the squad and beef it up with on-form players from time to time, Da Gama said.
“I think the nucleus of this team is very, very exciting and very promising. So, I certainly believe, I mean we’re top of the log in our group and there’s a reason for that.
“I think yes, there will be a lot of continuity but there will always be a room for those players that are raising their hands,” he said.
Bafana resume their quest for World Cup qualification in August and September with back-to-back matches against Cape Verde.
Da Gama in the mood for top job
His comments come on the eve of the South African Football Association naming the new Bafana coach who will replace Shakes Mashaba who was fired in December for misconduct.
If media reports are anything to go by, former Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol will be introduced as the new man at the helm after Safa president Danny Jordaan promised that the new coach will be named after Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Angola.
In a post-match press conference on Tuesday, Da Gama said he was ready to replace Mashaba if he would be offered the job.
His tone painted a picture of a disappointed man who might have been overlooked for the national team coaching job.
Asked if he would be willing to take the position permanently, Da Gama said it was every coach’s dream to coach a national team.
“Whatever happens will happen but I think I’m very capable. I’ve proved it beyond any doubt. I hear about people qualifying and I’m not qualifying. I don’t understand that, I think I should understand it a little bit more.
“With the exposure that we got at U23 with over 50 matches that I’ve been part of Bafana Bafana understanding our culture of football, watching over 1200 games in the country – I think I have an idea of what’s happening within the national set-up and with our players.”
Da Gama said his more than 11 years Premier Soccer League experience which saw him coaching at Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars made him well-versed.
“I don’t say I’m the right man. What I’m saying is I certainly believe I understand South African football very, very well and I know players in South Africa.
“So I think I have an understanding of what’s at hand and I think I have the experience,” said Da Gama.
He has been the caretaker coach while Safa searched for the new coach.
He is unbeaten in his two matches as Da Gama-led Bafana to a convincing 3-1 victory against Guinea-Bissau and the goalless draw with Angola.
To his credit, he recalled Kermit Erasmus and Kamohelo Mokotjo, players who had been frustrated and exiled by Mashaba.
He also introduced exciting youngsters in Phakamani Mahlambi and Luther Singh.
For the first time in years, fans seem to rally behind the team as the national team has been playing some good football with a bit of flair.
He believes the current generation of players have what it takes to qualify for the World Cup – something SA has not done since 2002.
To achieve that, the new coach would have to keep the bulk of the squad and beef it up with on-form players from time to time, Da Gama said.
“I think the nucleus of this team is very, very exciting and very promising. So, I certainly believe, I mean we’re top of the log in our group and there’s a reason for that.
“I think yes, there will be a lot of continuity but there will always be a room for those players that are raising their hands,” he said.
Bafana resume their quest for World Cup qualification in August and September with back-to-back matches against Cape Verde.
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