Pitso came to Downs at the right time, says Nthethe
But former defender feels Celtic also stand a chance in lifting R7m cup
Thabo Nthethe feels Pitso Mosimane joined Mamelodi Sundowns at the right time when he replaced Johan Neeskens immediately after they lost the Telkom Knockout final to Bloemfontein Celtic in December 2012.
Neeskens was fired after Sundowns lost the final and Mosimane came and changed the fortunes of Sundowns around as they became a team to beat in both the domestic and continental competitions.
In his time at the helm, Mosimane has now won 10 trophies, including the CAF Champions League, the CAF Super Cup, six domestic league titles, two Telkom Knockout trophies, and the Nedbank Cup.
Even with those trophies under him, Mosimane still wants to achieve more and he has a chance to add the Nedbank Cup title tomorrow when Sundowns meet Celtic in the final at Orlando Stadium (8pm).
“I think he came at the right time and he was the right person to lead Sundowns,” Nthethe told Sowetan.
“Since then, Sundowns were always focusing on results going forward. With a coach like that I mean you will achieve more.
That’s what they want and I believe they want to continue even after winning the league now.
“They also want to win the Nedbank; they will never stop winning and that’s the sort of coach they have.” Nthethe was with Sundowns for five years after joining them from Celtic in 2014 before he went to TS Galaxy early this year where he is expected to be the team manager from next season when they complete the take over of Highlands Park.
He won two league titles, the CAF Champions League, the Nedbank Cup, and a Telkom Knockout title at Chloorkop, all under Mosimane. Nthethe says the way Mosimane has managed the players has been the key to their success.
“It is how he manages the team. You can have good players but if you don’t manage them very well, you may not get results. Pitso came with his structure.” Having watched Celtic under coach John Maduka who replaced Lehlohonolo Seema last month, the 35-year-old said Phunya Sele Sele are capable of beating Sundowns and lift the title.
“If you can look at their performance recently, they played very well and they won crucial games. “It is going to be an exciting game. “Knowing the history of South African teams after winning a trophy, the following game you are a bit sloppy. I think Celtic can capitalise on that.”