Having shouldered the blame for their 3-0 defeat to ruthless Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, TS Galaxy coach Owen Da Gama feels it will be difficult for anyone to stop the Brazilians now.
Da Gama feels, however, that they should have got a point had it not been for the tactical blunder he made at half time when he pulled off Masilake Phohlongo and introduced Sinethemba Mngomezulu.
Sundowns appear to have finally hit top gear in the DStv Premiership as they remain unbeaten in the league and are yet to concede in four matches.
“They are a team that is settled. The players know each other. When they make substitutions the team gets stronger,” Da Gama told the media after the match.
“It’s a well-oiled team, there is no doubt about that and there is a reason they are champions. They are a fantastic team and have a lot of quality, but I still believe we had a chance and we got it wrong at half time and in the second half.”
In the second half, Da Gama also shifted centre-forward and captain Mxolisi Macuphu to the right side of the attack and he feels this contributed to the loss.
“The tactical blunder was we pushed Macuphu to the right and we brought on Sthembiso as a striker and I think that was unfortunate because two of the goals came from there,” he said.
“That’s all part of the learning curve and we are disappointed, and I think if we should have held our nerves, if we played the way we played in the first half, I think we would have seen something else.
“But as I said, a blunder from me. I take full responsibility and we will keep on working hard and we will keep trying to turn the corner.”
The Rockets are languishing in 15th spot on the DStv Premiership log standings with two points from four matches, but Da Gama is positive that it is just a matter of time before they turn the corner.
“It’s a difficult period for everybody. There are surprise packages, yes. We started with difficult games – Golden Arrows, Kaizer Chiefs and now Sundowns – but I rather have it that way and we grow as quickly as possible.
“It’s always concerning when you are not winning but [it was a] good result against Arrows after we drew 2-2.”
Galaxy's next match is away to Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.
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