Coach 'asked to stand aside while investigations take place'

In a statement today, Platinum Stars announced that "following numerous troubling allegations and issues in the media surrounding the Head Coach Mr Owen da Gama, the club felt that it has become necessary to conduct a formal investigation to get to the bottom of these allegations".

"An independent team will be appointed to look into the issues and will call upon witnesses, including Mr da Gama himself, to provide information that will assist in making recommendations to the Board.

"The club has asked Mr da Gama to stand aside while these investigations take place so as not to jeopardize the independence thereof."

The club has appointed Mr Cavin Johnson, Academy director, and Mr Allan Freeze to coach the team on an interim basis pending the outcome of the investigation.