Following a string of poor results at the start of this season’s DStv Premiership, the club has severed ties with coach Owen Da Gama with immediate effect.
Mr. Da Gama took over the coaching reins at TS Galaxy Football Club in January but the Rockets have endured turbulent times since the start of the 2021/22 Dstv Premiership season.
The Rockets are going through a barren run of results in the league. After five league outings, the Club is yet to register a victory. As a result, the Rockets are languishing at the foot of the table with two points after five games.
Both parties took an amicable decision to cut ties.
TS Galaxy FC President, Tim Sukazi opened up about the decision to release Mr. Da Gama from his duties.
“TS Galaxy FC has parted ways with Coach Owen Da Gama. This is one of those bitter pills that we had to swallow as a Club given the kind of contribution that Coach Owen has made to our Club. Unfortunately, we have had a faulty start to the season and with football being a result-driven business, decisions like this are bound to be taken at some point or another if results aren’t forthcoming. Our new focus from now on is to get the team back on track. Coach Shaun is taking over the reins in an interim capacity until a final decision on the Head Coach is made.” Sukazi articulated.
The Club would like to thank Coach Owen for the valuable contribution that he has made at TS Galaxy Football Club and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
Shaun Bartlett is not a novice in the head coaching role. His success as a coach speaks volumes. In 2014/15, he steered Lamontville Golden Arrows to greatness winning the National First Division (NFD).
Bartlett has also held the head coaching position at Pretoria University in the past.
He is very much up for the challenge.
“It is always sad when a fellow colleague is relieved of his duties. I’ve been requested by the club to take over on an interim basis and see how we can turn things around and try and get the best out of the players. The next game is the most important one. Coach Owen had done several good things here. We have to build on that and not disregard some of the things he has done here. We’ve got to pay tribute to the coach for what he has done in such a short space of time,” Bartlett stated.
His first assignment is set to be against Sekhukhune United at the iconic Mbombela Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 pm.
“The priority now is to prepare for Sekhukhune and get the players to be in the right frame of mind. So far, we’ve done well at home. We need to get that first win under our belt. The sooner the better. One thing that we need to change is not to concede goals. To concede 10 goals in the first five matches is a huge concern for us,” he added.
The Bafana Bafana legend commenced his new role this morning at Sandton Sports Club.
“We are in the last position and it can’t get worse. We have to make sure that we get ourselves out of that as quickly as possible.” Bartlett elaborated.
He will be assisted by Esau Mtsweni.