The pressure cooker at Naturena is reaching a boiling point, and a familiar face in South African football is stepping forward to offer a solution. Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana mentor Owen da Gama has officially placed himself in the running for the Kaizer Chiefs head coaching job, declaring that the club remains the ultimate “bucket list” item in his storied career.
With the Glamour Boys effectively out of all cup competitions and the league title slipping further out of reach, the futures of current coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze are under intense scrutiny.
The “Bucket List” Ambition
Speaking candidly on PhalaPhala FM, the 64-year-old tactician didn’t mince words about his desire to lead the Soweto Giants. Da Gama is confident that his experience is the missing ingredient needed to return Amakhosi to the summit of the Betway Premiership.
“It’s Kaizer Chiefs. If I could get Chiefs just for one season, just one season… Chiefs is the team on my bucket list. If I get Chiefs, I can do it,” Da Gama stated.
A Resume Built on PSL Grit
Da Gama is one of the most experienced “firefighters” and builders in South African football, with a career spanning over two decades:
- The Breakthrough: Made his name at Silver Stars in the early 2000s, turning them into a formidable PSL force.
- The Rivalry: Took the reins at Orlando Pirates in 2007, giving him unique insight into the pressure of the Soweto giants.
- National Service: Served as an assistant and interim coach for Bafana Bafana, and led the South African U-23 side from 2014 to 2016.
- The Journeyman: Successful stints at Bloemfontein Celtic, Platinum Stars, Highlands Park, and TS Galaxy.
The Current Crisis at Naturena
Kaizer Chiefs’ management, led by Bobby Motaung, faces a crossroads. Despite early-season optimism, the club is once again looking at a trophy-less campaign. Da Gama’s pitch focuses on a short-term, high-impact “fix”—requesting just a single season to prove he can stabilize the ship.
Whether the Chiefs board is willing to turn to a veteran with “Buccaneer” DNA remains the big question as the 2025/26 season winds down.
