Football

Pitso Mosimane: Renowned South African head coach reveals Kenyan connection

Pitso Mosimane looks on during the CAF Champions League Semi-Final between Algeria's ES Setif and Egypt's al-Ahly at the 5 July stadium in the Algiers suburb of Ben Aknoun on May 14, 2022. (Photo: AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Monday, December 25, 2023

Renowned South African coach Pitso Mosimane, fresh from his departure from UAE's Al Wahda, continues his global coaching journey with an eye for new challenges in diverse locations.

Since leaving Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020, Mosimane's career trajectory has been characterised by unexpected moves and international pursuits.

One noteworthy shift unfolded as Mosimane departed Sundowns, creating an opportunity for Kenyan defender Brian Mandela to establish himself at the club. Mandela's confirmation at Sundowns for the next three seasons solidifies a connection that had been speculated during Mosimane's tenure.

While many may not know, Pitso Mosimane has strong ties to Kenya. In a recent podcast interview on Sports Live with BBK, Mosimane shared, "We have two families we always travel together. Last time we went to Zanzibar, a beautiful place in East Africa that is in Tanzania. I love Africa, I miss Africa."

Mosimane's affinity for Kenya goes beyond mere travel. He disclosed, "I have a family in Kenya because one of my father's brothers moved there during the time of apartheid. You know the story where people go away to exile and they never come back; he stayed there. He married there, and that Mosimane clan is there."

Mosimane has exhibited a keen interest in Kenyan talent throughout his coaching career, expressing admiration for former Simba SC defender Joash Onyango during his Sundowns tenure. Even during his time at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, there were rumors of potential interest in signing Mandela.

Mandela, having spent over a decade in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), may find a change of scenery appealing, especially considering his occasional absence from the starting lineup at Sundowns.

Mosimane's football journey, marked by exploration and an unwavering commitment to the game, continues to captivate football enthusiasts globally.