The story behind the scenes

Would Pitso be the right fit for Chiefs?

The Glamour Boys missed out on the opportunity to sign the three-time CAF Champions League winner when he returned to the country in 2022 – but will they do so again with Mosimane now a free agent?

Having contributed heavily to the Mamelodi Sundowns dominance in recent years that has seen the Soweto giants endure an ongoing eight-year trophy drought shows that they are aware of what he has to offer as a coach. He was also in charge of the Al Ahly team that denied Chiefs Champions League glory in 2021, wreaking further havoc on their trophy ambitions.

One concern for the Naturena-based outfit could be Mosimane’s outspoken nature. The club’s marketing team place a high importance on the brand and the public opinion thereof. With that in mind, the coach’s frankness will be something that they will need to manage.

In aligning their mutual objectives, it could be the perfect mix. Chiefs want to get back to winning ways and Mosimane has a proven track record as a winner.

The club would have to stretch their current wage bill for the coach. Another thing they would have to change is that fact that Mosimane would have complete freedom to bring in the players he wants, and will not be dictated to by management.

The fit could be perfect if they are on the same page…

Amakhosi would face stiff competition

The former Bafana coach has revealed that his strongest inkling at the moment is to explore his options in Asia, particularly Japan and China, where he is understood to have attracted interest. Having already traversed the Gulf region, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Asia and Europe are the only two emerging footballing destinations that he is yet to explore.

“There has been interest, a little bit of talk and there has been an interesting one also from North America, and why not? Why not go to North America? Why not go east in Japan, China, those places, you know? Because also, for us, it’s our legacy. Yeah, so if you can get a project that’s interesting in the Gulf and … just making example … a similar project in Asia, probably I’ll go to Asia just to go see. I mean, when I’m saying Asia, I know the Gulf is Asia, but I’m talking east now, why not? And there’s been also an interest, not an interest, just a conversation in Europe. Maybe this will break the ice, I don’t know… but in east Europe, not the ones that we all talk about – France, England, Italy and all that. So, yeah. And probably there might be interest back at home and also maybe national teams would be nice also. That depends which one, it depends on the reason,” he told SAFJA.

Needless to say, Chiefs would face stiff competition for the coach’s signature if they were to table a formal offer.

National team

In his interview with SAFJA, Mosimane revealed his ambition to lead a country to Africa Cup of Nations glory as well as through World Cup qualifiers. He also touched on the persistent talk linking him to the Nigeria national team. Prior to taking up a post at Al Wahda, the Kagiso-born mentor was heavily linked to the Super Eagles’ head coaching role. At the time, however, he opted to continue his career as a club coach and seemingly chose the day-to-day exertions of club football over a national team position – for now.

Mosimane is available on a free now, with Nigeria struggling in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification under under-fire Jose Peseiro, whose contract as coach Nigeria will expire after the Afcon in January, if he fails to reach the final of the competition.

Mosimane has a world of experience as a national coach, though the timing may not be right at this point in time.

European a possibility?

The former Jomo Cosmos striker, who is a CAF Pro License holder, has previously been vocal about working in Europe. He dropped a bombshell when he revealed that he could be breaking the ice in Europe after holding informal talks with an unknown club.

Mosimane has shown his mettle against European coaches when he took on both Thomas Tuchel and Hand Dieter Flick in the FIFA Club World Cup with Al Ahly, with both coaches speaking highly of his capabilities.

It’s no secret that ‘Jingles’ does harbour ambitions to coach in Europe and you can expect more talks to take place about a possible move abroad.