Dr Pitso Mosimane.
Son of the revolutionary soil Pitso John Hamilton Mosimane, one of the most decorated, successful, talented coach and former professional footballer who played locally and internationally this week received honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg.
The man who coached Al Ahli Saudi and Al Wahda was honoured by honorary doctors who were on stage, former SAFA president Molefi Oliphant, SAFA president Danny Jordaan and South African football great Jomo Sono.
In his acceptance speech, Mosimane said: “Growing up with a humble background, I never imagined that football would open the doors it has for me. Football has been my passport to the world, providing opportunities that I could have only dreamed of.”
Three-time African champion winner coach Mosimane also acknowledged his mentor and fellow honorary doctor Jomo Sono who discovered and gave him a chance to play for his team Jomo Cosmos in the 1980s. “I will forever be grateful to Bra J, for giving me the opportunity to play football. What's happening today wouldn't have happened without him, so I am humbled,'' Mosimane said.
The former Bafana Bafana head coach further said football has given him the chance to coach against some of the best players in the world, including legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sadio Mane and Edouard Mendy.
“As I reflect on my journey, I realise that education has played a crucial role in shaping my career and life. Education in sport is not just about physical training; it is about developing discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership. These are qualities that transcend the football field and are essential in every aspect of life,” said former Jomo Cosmos striker.
Mosimane, the former Bafana Bafana national team player, ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach recently celebrated his 60th birthday in style as well as his honorary doctorate with various dignitaries in football and other stakeholders at the FNB Stadium.
He thanked people who played a role in his life at the time he was a rough diamond during the apartheid regime and the new democracy of a government of national unity which was led by the late political icon Nelson Mandela.
His new project Youth Football Coaching Manual geared to enhance football in the country and continental is geared to produce future players is testimony that he is equal to the task and determined to improve the lives of the community through football.
“Let's make a revolution with football, not only in South Africa, but on the continent because a programme like this is world class,” said Mosimane who is known to his fans globally as Jingles.
The event was attended by Senegal coach Aliou Cisse, Florent Ibenge from DR Congo and Kalusha Bwalya of Zambia, former Bafana Bafana medical doctor Victor Ramathesele, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, Doctor Khumalo, Teboho Moloi, Happy Ntshingila , Emy Casaletti, Kaitano Tembo, Ricardo Katza, Teko Modise, Tsepo Masilela, Morgan Gould, Bernard Parker and Kaizer Motaung Jnr.
Former footballers who were touched by Mosimane included Kaitano Tembo, Ricardo Katza, Teko Modise, Tsepo Masilela, Morgan Gould, Bernard Parker and Kaizer Motaung Jnr. Other dignitaries in attendance included former Bafana Bafana medical doctor Victor Ramathesele, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, Doctor Khumalo, Teboho Moloi, Happy Ntshingila, Cricket legend Makhaya Ntini and Emy Casaletti.
Mosimane thanked people who played a role in his career and put the spotlight on his new project, Youth Football Coaching Manual that is geared to produce the player of tomorrow. “Let's make a revolution with football, not only in South Africa, but on the continent because a programme like this is world class,” said Mosimane who is the former Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach.
Meanwhile, in 2012, Mosimane former SuperSport United coach became the manager of Mamelodi Sundowns. He won the 2016 CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns after defeating Egypt’s Zamalek 3-1 on aggregate, making them the 2nd South African side to win it after Orlando Pirates in 1995.
In December 2016, Mosimane was ranked as the 10th best coach in the world for 2016, according to the International of Football History and Statistics.
On 5 January 2017, Mosimane won the Coach of the Year accolade at the 2016 Glo-CAF Awards in Abuja, Nigeria after guiding Mamelodi Sundowns to league glory in 2015–16 and claiming the Telkom Knockout trophy which meant Mosimane stood alone as the only coach to have made a clean sweep of all domestic trophies in the PSL era.
Football heavy weights attended Dr Pitso Mosimane's event.
Dignitaries who supported Dr Pitso Mosimane.
Dr Pitso Mosimane Silenced His Foes with Solid Achievements.
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