Pitso believes Downs can conquer the world
JOHANNESBURG: Some would have put it down to euphoria yet those well acquainted with Pitso Mosimane would have known he was not merely playing to the gallery yesterday.
Speaking at OR Tambo International upon Mamelodi Sundowns’ return from Egypt, Mosimane declared that his team will reach the final of the Fifa Club World Cup in December.
The knowledgeable in the crowd would have broken into laughter. After all, the global showpiece in Japan has not been kind to African teams, with only two sides having ever reached the final of the competition.
But such was Sundowns’ showing in becoming only the second South African side to be crowned kings of Africa, that the temptation to take Mosimane on his word lingered. He convinced the excited fans gathered at the airport that it could be done.
“I think it was the sports minister (Fikile Mbalula) or (Safa president) Doctor Danny Jordaan who said maybe we will be in the final. If you know my attitude, (you will know) I believe we will be there,” Mosimane said.
The 52-year-old is also looking to lead Sundowns to victory in the Caf Super Cup against the Caf Confederation Cup champions in February.
“We are also looking forward to the Super Cup. It might be TP Mazembe or some other team (MO Bejaia) we will be playing. And that match will be played here (Caf Champions League winners host the oneoff final), and we will give it our best shot,” Mosimane said.
While Downs’ continental success has led them to believe that they have what it takes to take on the world, PSL chairman Irvin Khoza is hoping that the Brazilians will inspire the rest of the teams in the PSL to shine in Africa.
“I hope this will be a motivating influence for the rest of the PSL, that one day we will have two PSL teams contesting the Champions League final,” Khoza said.
And the influence, Khoza said, should not only be limited to club level but must extend to the national teams too.
He referred to Orlando Pirates’ triumph in the same competition in 1995; Bafana Bafana became African champions a year later, showing what a stimulant such success can be.
“I hope it rubs off and gives confidence to Shakes Mashaba’s team, that there’s talent in this country and it is how you put it together that is important,” Khoza added.
The Pirates chairman also lauded the fact that Sundowns achieved glory with a local technical team, and the 68-year-old gave special praise to Mosimane.
“Pitso is a hard worker and he is very resilient. Pitso was not scared to take a taxi from Uganda to Algeria, in his tracksuit with no comforts,” Khoza said.
“He prepared for this win. Remember he went to Ghana and Zimbabwe. What has happened here was not by accident.
“And all the technical team members come with their own credentials. Rhulani (Maluleke) comes from a family with a pedigree of success and Manqoba Mngqithi also comes with his own success.
“I hope this will teach other coaches, that they will learn that team effort is important, that team effort works,” he added.