THERE IS LIFE AFTER PITSO

WHEN coach Pitso Mosimane left Sundowns to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the end of last season, many pundits, not to mention fans, felt it would be very difficult for them to retain their Premiership title.

As it was, they were pushed all the way by Kaizer Chiefs last season, only for Amakhosi to implode in the final stretch.

The astute tactical brain of Mosimane was tick-tick-ticking away smoothly and expertly all the time as he guided Sundowns to five titles in seven years.

And yet, here we are, acknowledging Sundowns as the champions once again. And they did so in fine style, sweeping SuperSport United aside with ease on Wednesday night to claim their fourth successive PSL title.

This is a tremendous achievement for co-coaches Rhulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela.

The departure of Mosimane did not faze them one jot, and they have gelled together superbly as a trio, each bringing their own individual strengths.

No wonder Sundowns personnel are now in line to win big at the PSL awards. Mngqithi and Mokwena have been nominated for the Coach of the Season awards, while Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane have been nominated for the Player’s Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season awards. If Zwane walks off with the award it would be his second in a row.

Shalulile and Zwane have both been in cracking form, with Shalulile bagging 11 League goals. He has turned out to be an inspired signing since joining the team from Highlands Park.

A special mention must also be made of goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who has been a real safe house at the back with 15 clean sheets in 25 league games.

It is a great pity that Sundowns were eliminated from the African Champions League, as a African and South African “double” title would have been a truly astounding effort.

Still, all lovers of the beautiful game will surely join us as we salute Mamelodi Sundowns, the brilliant Brazilians.

Today is the day to wear yellow.