Resident Adam Visser writes:
Today I would like to honour a son of the soil – that son of the soil is Owen Da Gama.
The little I know of this son of the soil is that he was a great striker, and is one of the most revered legends in Ireland, because of his exploits on the field of play, and most specifically in front of the poles – in other words as they say in Afrikaans, ‘Hy is n doelskieter wat weet waar die pale is’.
Nelson Mandela once said, and I quote, ‘Our greatest glory in living, is not in us never falling, but in rising every time we fall or fail.’
Owen Da Gama is an epitome of that great expression by the icon of the world because I remember at some point there was some controversy around the professional conduct of Owen Da Gama, when it was alleged that he was taking bribes from the players in exchange for game time. I am not sure if that was ever proved to be true, but he was let go by his former employers (Platinum Stars) at the time.
Owen re-emerged from that situation and became a successful U-23 coach in the national fold of our country. I think we reached the Olympics after many years of trying, I might be wrong, but I think we entered that world stage after about 15 years or so, but after a couple of years it was again another setback in his career, because he learnt about his termination of employment in the media, which must be another disappointing occurrence in his career, but the man dusted himself and became the head coach of Highlands Park.
Today we know that his team (Highlands Park) is now back in the PSL [Professional Soccer League], with some games left in the season – I believe this man deserves a pat on the back, and also his players deserve a big pat on the back.
Owen Da Gama, you always emerge, and for that, I admire you, son of the soil, and yes you (are) a good example of that great expression from the Icon of the World.
Well done, Highlands Park, and keep on the good work ODG.
