Owen da Gama has been unveiled as the new head coach of TS Galaxy.

His appointment follows the sacking of Dan Malesela in December. Zipho Dlangalala was appointed as interim coach but he too has parted ways with the club after conjuring a point from two matches in charge, ending with a 3-0 defeat at home to SuperSport United this past weekend.

Da Gama has been without a coaching job since the Rockets bought Highlands Park’s top-flight status ahead of the 2020-21 seasons.

“We are delighted in announcing Owen Da Gama as the Head Coach of TS Galaxy Football Club. Owen is a seasoned coach who has lots of experience in the local game,” said TS Galaxy FC President, Tim Sukazi in a statement released by the club.

“Most importantly, Owen has a good understanding of the bulk of our current squad after having worked with them at Highlands Park.

“As a club, we took the view that we would be best placed with a coach who has experience in the local game as the season is already on the run and there is no time to orientate a coach who has never coached in DStv Premiership. Given where we are in the season, we wanted someone who will hit the ground running from the onset.

“The fact that Coach Owen has worked with most of our current crop of players gave him a notch. Unfortunately there are not too many coaches out there who tick these two critical boxes.” Sukazi added.

Da Gama, 59, will be tasked with leading Galaxy up the DStv Premiership standings. The Rockets currently occupy 13th spot having managed just the one win so far this season.

“I come a long way with Tim and when I looked at the ambition of the club, I was really attracted to TS Galaxy,” said Da Gama. “They won the Nedbank Cup while in the GladAfrica Championship, it showed that there is a lot of ambition in this team and Tim wants to take the club to greater heights.

“I really want to be part of this team. I want to take this challenge and I’m confident that we will turn things around.”

Galaxy returns to action at home to Chippa United, a team now coached by Malesela, at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.