Dinaledi say goodbye to Da Gama

May 2, 2012 | Ramatsiyi Moholoa | 5 comments

PLATINUM Stars have fired coach Owen da Gama.

The parties jointly record their unhappiness with the manner that this issue has been dealt with in the public domain

This followed a meeting between the two parties on Monday night to discuss the outcome of an investigation into allegations against Da Gama.

He was found guilty of two misconduct charges, which resulted in the club's board taking a decision to end their marriage with him.

Da Gama is the third prominent Premiership coach to be fired in the past six weeks.

Da Gama was suspended on March 9 pending an investigation into pay-to-play allegations.

Another allegation was that Da Gama instructed a player to break the leg of teammate Joseph Molangoane.

Da Gama explained during the disciplinary hearing that it was not to break the leg, but to be hard, as football is a physical game.

He also alleged that a journalist, without mentioning names, had tried to request money or favours from him.

In a statement released yesterday, the club said: "Platinum Stars and Owen Da Gama have agreed to terminate their relationship by mutual agreement. Stars wish to thank Owen for his contribution and for the manner in which he dealt with an issue which recently arose in the media and led to an investigation at the club.

"The allegation suggested that Owen had been party to fraudulent conduct in respect of players. Platinum Stars are satisfied that Owen is not guilty of this and it is necessary to say that his conduct during this investigation ... was exemplary.

"The parties jointly record their unhappiness with the manner that this issue has been dealt with in the public domain."

Da Gama could not be reached for comment.