'I’ve been synonymous with the fact of grooming players, Peter Shalulile just broke Siyabonga Nomvethe’s record!' - Ex-Orlando Pirates coach boasts after signing Kaizer Chiefs player

Black Lions FC coach Owen Da Gama has taken credit after Peter Shalulile broke Siyabonga Nomvethe’s Premier Soccer League goals record.  

Da Gama made the comparison as he revealed that he has signed Kaizer Chiefs defender Xolani Cossa on loan for the Botswana Premier League side.   

Shalulile, who previously worked with Da Gama, scored his 130th PSL goal, becoming the league's top scorer, a credit that the experienced head coach has boasted about being associated with.   

"We’ve gone out into the market to bring in quality players and add to what we have here,” Da Gama told FARPost.

"Kaizer Chiefs have agreed to assist us, and this is the first signing. Hopefully, there will be more. We need to bring in quality to enhance football in Botswana. We are busy building a formidable team. 

“I’ve been synonymous with the fact of grooming players. Peter [Shalulile] just broke Nomvethe’s record. There were so many other players that I developed,” he added. 

While welcoming Xolani's signing, the former Orlando Pirates' head coach acknowledged the fact that the youngster would have had little chance of more minutes had he decided to remain at Naturena. 

“I’m aware that where he’s coming from, there’s a lot of pressure and a lot of defenders. This is an opportunity for him to come and enjoy his fame and experience senior team football in a different country," he added. 

"He’s not a player to be groomed. It’s just to get him out of the limelight and further nurture his development.”

Da Gama recently joined Black Lions, who bought the top-tier status of VTM FC and are hoping to tap into the experience of the South African tactician as they aim higher. 

Now, Cossa, who was set to face stiff competition from Aden McCarthy, Rushwin Dortley, Bradley Cross and Given Msimango at Chiefs, is part of the project spearheaded by Da Gama in Botswana. 

This could be a massive chance for the Amakhosi defender to develop and raise his profile, given that Da Gama has indeed worked with players who have gone on to establish themselves. 

Da Gama worked with Shalulile at Highlands Park before the Namibian signed for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Black Lions will be back in action on September 13, when they will face Reneilwe Letsholonyane's Matebele FC.  

Black Lions have, however, faced a tough start to the new season, as they are seated in the 15th position on the 16-table team.