BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic coach Owen Da Gama has set his players a target of 20 points from Phunya SeleSele's first 10 Absa Premiership matches.
BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic coach Owen Da Gama has set his players a target of 20 points from Phunya SeleSele's first 10 Absa Premiership matches.
Da Gama said his first priority for Celtic this season would be to ensure they are not fighting relegation again.
Celtic, thanks to Da Gama, managed to survive after a tough relegation battle last season. The club was bottom of the table with 11 points when he took charge in January and was forced to fight a rearguard action for the remainder of the season.
Da Gama stressed that the loyal Celtic fans deserve better this term and he aims to do better.
"Making sure of our PSL status is my first job in the new season. I have set a target of 20 points from 10 games and if we achieve that or get close, then we will be comfortable.
"It would be nice to challenge for a cup. And once we are safe, the aim would be to kick on and try for the top eight."
Da Gama has pleaded with Celtic fans to show patience as he brings in new blood to strengthen the squad. The Celtic coach has signed a teenage central defender from Venda named Matoho Mulomowandau, who he said will be a sensation: "I will put my house on this youngster becoming a huge success. I was knocked out when I saw him."
Also on board is young striker Bongani Mdulula from East London's Blackburn Rovers, a Vodacom League (Third Division) side.
Da Gama has signed midfielder Thembile Kanono on loan from Orlando Pirates and has re-signed another Bucs midfielder, Tlou Segolela, for another season's loan.
"Segolela helped us avoid relegation and I was delighted to have him for another year," Da Gama said.
He has also signed Cecil Oerson, who returns for a second spell at Celtic from Moroka Swallows, and is on the verge of signing Birds striker Sandile Ndlovu.
Added to the list are midfielder Prince Olomu from Free State Stars and defender Michael Khaile from Platinum Stars. Celtic have lost striker Gert Schalkwyk, who was on loan for the last six months of the season, to Pirates. Ugandan defender Timothy Batabaire has gone to Europe and defender Cyrille Mubiala has not had his contract renewed.
Defenders Ditheko Mototo and Keamogetse Wolf have been placed on transfer, along with midfielder Tumelo Nhlapo.
Defender Mario Booysen, who was on loan from Ajax Cape Town, has returned to his club. Another midfielder, Kleinbooi Taaibos, has joined FS Stars and striker Petrus Mahlatsi has been taken off the transfer list. Celtic open their Premiership campaign at home to FS Stars on August 9. - Sapa
Celtic want 20 from 10
BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic coach Owen Da Gama has set his players a target of 20 points from Phunya SeleSele's first 10 Absa Premiership matches.
BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic coach Owen Da Gama has set his players a target of 20 points from Phunya SeleSele's first 10 Absa Premiership matches.
Da Gama said his first priority for Celtic this season would be to ensure they are not fighting relegation again.
Celtic, thanks to Da Gama, managed to survive after a tough relegation battle last season. The club was bottom of the table with 11 points when he took charge in January and was forced to fight a rearguard action for the remainder of the season.
Da Gama stressed that the loyal Celtic fans deserve better this term and he aims to do better.
"Making sure of our PSL status is my first job in the new season. I have set a target of 20 points from 10 games and if we achieve that or get close, then we will be comfortable.
"It would be nice to challenge for a cup. And once we are safe, the aim would be to kick on and try for the top eight."
Da Gama has pleaded with Celtic fans to show patience as he brings in new blood to strengthen the squad. The Celtic coach has signed a teenage central defender from Venda named Matoho Mulomowandau, who he said will be a sensation: "I will put my house on this youngster becoming a huge success. I was knocked out when I saw him."
Also on board is young striker Bongani Mdulula from East London's Blackburn Rovers, a Vodacom League (Third Division) side.
Da Gama has signed midfielder Thembile Kanono on loan from Orlando Pirates and has re-signed another Bucs midfielder, Tlou Segolela, for another season's loan.
"Segolela helped us avoid relegation and I was delighted to have him for another year," Da Gama said.
He has also signed Cecil Oerson, who returns for a second spell at Celtic from Moroka Swallows, and is on the verge of signing Birds striker Sandile Ndlovu.
Added to the list are midfielder Prince Olomu from Free State Stars and defender Michael Khaile from Platinum Stars. Celtic have lost striker Gert Schalkwyk, who was on loan for the last six months of the season, to Pirates. Ugandan defender Timothy Batabaire has gone to Europe and defender Cyrille Mubiala has not had his contract renewed.
Defenders Ditheko Mototo and Keamogetse Wolf have been placed on transfer, along with midfielder Tumelo Nhlapo.
Defender Mario Booysen, who was on loan from Ajax Cape Town, has returned to his club. Another midfielder, Kleinbooi Taaibos, has joined FS Stars and striker Petrus Mahlatsi has been taken off the transfer list. Celtic open their Premiership campaign at home to FS Stars on August 9. - Sapa
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