Da Gama has been critically observing and discussing potential candidates for the three available spots for players over the age of 23, with Reyaad Pieterse already a likely inclusion coming into the fold for the upcoming COSAFA Cup in Namibia.
Other options are believed to include Belgian-based Andile Jali, Daine Klate, Eric Mathoho, Thulani Serero among others, however, Da Gama has placed emphasis on the need to bolster his defensive options due to the team’s habit of conceding goals.
“I think we have to be honest… When it comes to players like Reyaad and overaged players, with regards to the Under-23 team, you saw – even against Brazil – we score but our problem is we concede,” says Da Gama.
“We’ve tried a lot of combinations; we tried a bit of consistency there so there’s no doubt about it, it will be from the back – a goalkeeper: we would like someone to push Jody [February] very much. There are options there.
“Rivaldo will be there but we’d like to strengthen in that department as well so the spine from the back [is where we need to bring in more experience], because we believe we can score against any team when we’ve got the Dollys and the Lebogang Mothibas – who scored against Brazil.”
While Keagan Dolly has been excused from the current camp to allow the captain to partake in Mamelodi Sundowns CAF Champions League quest, Da Gama also explains the absence of France-based striker Mothiba.
“Unfortunately he’s [not with us now], but we understand this because he just signed a pro contract with Lille,” he adds. “Their reserve team won the reserve league in France, and [the first team] ended fifth in the league.
“They had to make a decision over these past three weeks whether to give him a first team contract or not, so we had to respect that. When they said he cannot be part of COSAFA, we said no problem.
“At the end of the day, sometimes, you have to look at the good for the player, and we’re happy that our selflessness has allowed him to get a top contract.”