How Owen da Gama’s unity strategy is saving Magesi FC from PSL relegation

Magesi FC coach Owen da Gama believes that team chemistry – not star power – is what’s keeping the Limpopo-based club above water in their maiden season in the top-flight.

The PSL newcomers continued their dream run at home this past weekend, grinding out a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy in Polokwane.

The result marked their sixth consecutive home victory in the Premiership, and lifted them to 10th place on the table – six points clear of bottom-placed SuperSport United.

The league’s recent shake-up, following the expulsion of Royal AM for failing to honour multiple fixtures, means no team will suffer automatic relegation this season.

However, the team that finish 15th will be drawn into a promotion/relegation playoff mini-league with two second-tier clubs.

Only the winner of that group will retain or earn a top-flight place next season.

That reality has only sharpened the focus at Magesi, who now require just five points from their final four matches to mathematically ensure survival. 

But for Da Gama, it’s not just about the math – it’s about the mindset.

“We may not have the most experienced or technically gifted players in the league,” said Da Gama, “but we have a team, a proper unit. And that has made all the difference.”

He continued: “We’ve built a culture where we play for each other, we work for each other, and we support each other – on and off the field.

“That spirit is what turns a team that’s used to losing into one that wins.”

Da Gama’s emphasis on unity and belief has paid off handsomely over the past month. 

Magesi not only beat TS Galaxy, but also strung together victories against SuperSport United, Richards Bay, Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC. 

The impressive run saw the coach recognised with the PSL Coach of the Month award for March – a first for him since returning to top-tier management.

But true to form, Da Gama chose to deflect personal praise, highlighting the efforts of his entire technical team.

“There are so many great coaches in this league, so to be named Coach of the Month is an honour,” he said. 

“But I can’t claim it alone. I share this with my assistants, the fitness coach, the goalkeeper coach –everyone. For me, this is really ‘Technical Team of the Month’.”

That collective spirit has clearly filtered through to the players, who have embraced the underdog role with growing confidence.

With four fixtures remaining, including clashes against Chippa United and Sekhukhune United, Magesi are within touching distance of securing another season in the richest league in African football.

For Da Gama, who has worked with some of the country’s biggest clubs, guiding this young side to safety would be among his proudest achievements – not because of individual brilliance, but because of the collective belief that turned a struggling side into a unified force.