Coaches feel heat
PLATINUM Stars coach Owen Da Gama's future hangs by a thread ahead of tonight's crucial Absa Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Sowetan has learnt that the club's owners are not happy with the current state of affairs as Dikwena are in the relegation zone.
Stars last registered a win on October 15 when they beat Santos 4-1 at Moruleng Stadium.
But coach Owen Da Gama is confident the team will bounce back.
"We need to arrest the situation and get back to winning immediately. We have a great team that is determined to finish well inside the top eight bracket," Da Gama said.
Da Gama, a former Pirates mentor, is not the only one under pressure. Pirates' coach Julio Leal is also facing serious challenges of his own, which - if not attended to as a matter of urgency - could ultimately lead to him leaving the club.
Some senior players - who are known to Sowetan - have expressed concern that the Brazilian is not in charge of the dressing room.
The players in question have allegedly approached management to complain about training methods which they say are predictable "playing 11 against 11 at training" sessions.
The players say Pirates management must get former assistant coach Joao da Silva if they are to win everything, including the African Champions League.
Da Silva, whom the players said was very knowledgeable, resigned last month to focus on his construction business back home in Brazil. Leal is also reported not to be on good terms with physical trainer and compatriot Japhet Neto.
Leal could not be reached for comment but club spokesman Mickey Modisane said: "There is no such a thing, we are one big happy family."
Pirates welcome back midfielders Isaac Chansa, Dikgang Mabalane and Oupa Manyisa and must expect stiff opposition from ex-Buccaneer Lucas Thwala and company.
Bucs must keep an eye on Thuso Phala who always rises to the occasion against the so-called big guns.
In Polokwane tonight Black Leopards have vowed to send Bloemfontein Celtic back to Free State empty handed. They meet at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Both matches start at 7.30pm.
dadaman1
Sorry Owen, you came at a very wrong time when we need to climb the ladder and go where we belong...up there...Thuso Phala only troubles that team which "is building the stadium at Krugersdorp since 2002"
UP THE CHAMPS WAYAWAYA
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HoiMash69
I am a Bucaneer but I am also fearing the Wrath and Bitterness of Twala and Malokase. They were just thrown out of the ship even though they contributed to the League and cup success last season.Ex pirates players have a tendency of rising up to the occasion on every 1st game, they just need to be contained. And Sangweni should not have cut his hair, thats why he is leaking so much.
Lets get the 3 points and be just 2 away from the Zebras which we will get 3 of them on the 17th
Up the Bucs.................................Achuuuuuuu....................Wangthungela
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Shorts
There is no smoke without fire; even if our Pro can try to hide this but there is a problem with the coach more especially with his substitution and the selection of a winning combination. I never thought we will be beaten by this club not mentioning the score. I know we will bounce back in the second leg but let us clean our house first; if there is a problem with the coach or the technical team for that matter let the problem be resolved before its too late.UP THE BUCS - HAPPY PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY
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iemsley
lets wait and see am looking forward to these game, and wishing Owen best luck, plus the fighting will always be the via the gap between players salaries, khosi for life until Khoza and Moeneebs teeth grow.Report Abuse
Stayaway
"There is no such a thing, we are one big happy family."I see the media at it again trying to cause divisions amongst the Galaxy Of Champions, Well it won't happen, one lose to Libolo and you think you can sink our ship dream on, as for Da-Gama the same can't be said to you, this game came at a wrong time
Once And Always
I Remain A Mighty Buccaneer
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Dames
I said it before that Brazilian coaches are overrated they don't know how to coach most of them, Pirates will not take a league with this man, we win by 1 goal every time we win a game in the league, how come you score a a goal on the 6 min and still fail to increase your tally against Leopard of all the teams, if we win today it won't be because of his tactics but players protecting their dignities and status, this man lacks football tactics maybe he would have been a good netball coach.Report Abuse
SKIZOBANTWANA
Ayeyeeeeee Vasco Da Gama..Tonight is the night, Aint no turning Back, Aint no retreat Aint no Surrender !!!
BUCS vs STARS live 19:30 ko Royal Bafokeng
KUYOBA KHONA UKUKHALA NOKUGEDLA KWAMAZINYO...
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