Da Gama stays positive despite injuries

The last three matches have taken its toll on Highlands Park. They have not only lost these games but they’ve conceded 10 goals!

They lost 3-0 to log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, followed by a 4-1 home loss to Stellenbosch FC and this past weekend’s 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates.

These results have also seen them dropping out of the top eight in the past two weeks.

Head coach Owen Da Gama has been complaining about how the absence of their injured players is affecting them, especially in the central defense.

Highlands have been missing their key centre-backs in Ryan Rae and Sphiwe Msimango, number one goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni, anchorman Makhehlane Makhaula, Sphiwe Mahlangu and left-back Ricardo Williams have all been out on injuries. Da Gama has more on their possible returns.

Mlungisi Mbunjana unleashed a powerful strike in the second half to score a consolation for Highlands and it was also his first goal this season.

Da Gama says he’s always maintained that the Mount Frere born midfielder is a quality player.

More coaches are becoming frustrated not only by the decisions that are taken by the match officials but also by the threat of being hauled in front of the PSL disciplinary committee if they ever complain publicly about what they deem to be unfair decisions.

Da Gama was not an exception this weekend when he was asked about a penalty call that wasn’t given.

Last week, Highlands Park who now find themselves ninth on the log with 23 points from 19 matches raised some alarm bells last week when they denied that Da Gama had resigned from his position.

It’s understood that the Lions of the North were responding to some media reports and rumours that Da Gama had thrown in the towel after losing two consecutive matches.

The former Bafana Bafana assistant coach says the real supporters of the club are fully understanding of the current situation.

– Report by Velile Mnyandu