Downs rope in Hamren

MAMELODI Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe says the club’s new technical head Eric Hamren has not been brought in to take over coach Pitso Mosimane’s job.

The mining magnate described Mosimane as “Sundowns’ most successful head coach” as he moved swiftly to dispel growing perception that the 60-year-old Swedish coach is being lined up for the plum job.

“He [Hamren] is our new head of technical department‚ but he will also make a contribution to the senior technical team‚” said Motsepe‚ who reserved most of his praise for Mosimane.

“Erik will help us with our academy‚ making sure that some of our young boys will consistently form part of the senior team‚ play for Bafana Bafana and go overseas.

“Erik will also work with our senior technical team under Pitso’s leadership.

“It’s a continuous exchange of ideas.”

Mosimane acknowledged Hamren’s role‚ stating that with his “vast experience in football” he would add value to the club.

“Eric has got so many years‚ many years more than me.

“He’s also here to help the senior team also‚ not only the youth.

“He is starting to adjust. He’s working with Trott [Moloto] and we should give him time to adjust. He’s got more experience than me.

“We’ll teach him the culture of the country because SA football is very different to European football.”

The former Swedish national team coach himself clarified his role‚ saying the head coach is always responsible for the team.

The Swede said he is looking forward to learn from Mosimane. —