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Platinum Stars coach shines
17/04/2008 09:12 - (SA)
Johannesburg - No wonder Platinum Stars coach Miguel Gamondi was smiling from ear to ear after his side fought back from a goal down to beat an out of sorts BidVest Wits 2-1 in a dull PSL clash at Milpark Wednesday night to rekindle Stars' hopes of finishing in the top eight.
Gamondi, who with co-coach Neil Tovey guided Mamelodi Sundowns to the league title two years ago, has been the driving force behind Stars remarkable revival.
When the Argentine born Gamondi took charge of Stars in December, they were bottom of the table and looked likely candidates to be relegated.
But Gamondi is made of stronger stuff and showed that winning the championship with Downs was not a one off or fluke.
Said Gamondi: "When I took charge we were in position 16. But I decided to change the style and formation we had been playing and it has worked a treat. The players are enjoying their game these days and it shows in our results."
Gamondi said he was proud of the way his side fought back against Wits after going 1-0 down in the first minute to a Marcos de Jesus header.
Said Gamondi: "What was impressive was the way we kept going and never stopped trying to score the equaliser. I was delighted with the win and three points.
"We beat a top side who were in the running to win the championship. That fact makes this win more special." But what has pleased the Stars coach even more is the end of the season next month could have a fairy tale ending for Stars.
Said Gamondi: "We now have the belief we can finish the season in the top eight. That would be an unbelievable achievement given the fact we were rock bottom in December."
Gamondi's appointment by the club's management now looks to be a master stroke. Stars were on a high last season under top coach Owen da Gama when they won the Telkom Knockout - the first major trophy the club, then known as Silver Stars, had even won.
Da Gama's departure to Orlando Pirates last October saw a vacuum and Stars lights were dimmed until management had a moment of inspiration by appointing Gamondi and they started their long climb out of the relegation zone.
Both goals were scored in the second half by Tsepo Ramokala.
Wits coach Roger de Sa admitted his side had played "poorly" but said referee Jonas Nhlapo had done his side no favours.
- SAPA
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