Da Gama hails Leopards supporters as ‘best in the country’
The Highlands Park mentor was overwhelmed with emotion when he returned to the Thohoyandou Stadium – a place he calls “home”.
Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama (Photo by Gallo Images)
Although Highlands Park could not steal all three points from Black Leopards in a 0-0 Absa Premiership draw on Sunday, Da Gama was happy with the point and with Lidoda Duvha’s supporters.
“I am so proud of the people of Venda. I am really proud of the supporters of Black Leopards. They are not only showing South Africa but Africa. They are showing them how to support each other. For me these are the best supporters in the country,” said Da Gama.
“I am very happy as someone from here (Venda) and I really wish they can have a lot more soccer here and I really wish this stadium can be upgraded to have 100 000 people in,” he quipped.
“The atmosphere is just electric when you come here. I said before the game that it’s either Black Leopards would win, Highlands Park would win or it would be a draw. But in the end, football is going to win and I think football won. I am so happy for the players to experience Champions League support and see how to play under a lot of pressure and I must take my hat off for the people of Venda.”
In the 90s and early 2000s, Da Gama used to coach Dynamos and Silver Stars – who were later known as Platinum Stars and now go by the name of Cape Umoya United. Both sides used the Thohoyandou Stadium.
“This is my ground and this is where I grew as a coach and I’ll be forever be indebted to Venda. I’ll always have fond memories because this is my home and this is where I got the opportunity to coach at a high level. When I walked onto the pitch I felt emotional,” he said.
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