Newly appointed Magesi FC head coach Owen Da Gama has spoken for the first time about his return to the Premiership.
ODG was officially announced as the club's head coach on Monday following the resignation of Clinton Larsen last week.
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Da Gama has been set a target of finishing in the top eight.
"They contacted me and asked if I would be interested. They reviewed my record and noted what I accomplished with Bloemfontein Celtic, Highlands Park, and TS Galaxy," Da Gama tells KickOff.
"When I joined TS Galaxy, they were at the bottom of the log table, and I managed to lift them out of that situation. Magesi after evaluating my history, they expressed confidence in my experience and knowledge to help the team."
He acknowledged that there is a mandate for the team to avoid relegation, which he considers crucial.
"But the goal is to finish as high as possible in the league," he said.
"They mentioned strengthening the team next month, but I requested time to work with the current squad before making any decisions."
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Da Gama emphasized the importance of building a strong core for the team.
"We have been lacking experienced players. Ninety-nine percent of the team consists of players from the NFD or lower division teams. We also need to get top players like Gift Motupa and Kgaogelo Sekgota performing at their best again. One of my challenges will be to help them regain their form."
He understands that there are expectations to turn the team's fortunes around and stabilize its position.
"The team shouldn't be fighting relegation every season. The target is to finish in the top eight or at least in ninth place. They don't want to merely scrape by," he explained.
"Several targets have been set for the team to meet. If the chairman approaches me with quality players who are available, I will have no objections."