I never imagined football would open doors for me: Mosimane

One of South Africa’s most decorated coaches, Pitso Mosimane, says he never imagined that football would open doors for him.

Mosimane was bestowed with an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) yesterday.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at UJ took this decision to recognise his exceptional contributions to the sport and his commitment to excellence and innovation.

Mosimane, who was born in Kagiso on Gauteng’s West Rand and raised in Soweto has served football for over 40 years. He made his professional debut at Jomo Cosmos in 1982 at the age of 18.

Mosimane also played in Greece and Belgium. He started coaching in 1995 and was appointed head coach of SuperSport United 20 years ago.

Mosimane says, “Honoured and humbled to stand before you today as a recipient of this honorary doctorate degree from the University of Johannesburg. This moment is testament to the incredible journey I have had, one that had been shaped by the power of education and the beautiful game of football. Growing up with a humble background I never imagined that football would open doors, it has done for me.”

Mamelodi Sundowns

After achieving unprecedented success with Mamelodi Sundowns, he also made his mark coaching beyond the borders of South Africa.

He won two Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League trophies with Africa’s club of the century, Al Ahly of Egypt.

Football legend, Jomo Sono, who discovered Mosimane says he is grateful for university’s gesture.

“I take my hat off to the University of Johannesburg for honouring Pitso Mosimane while he is still alive because football people won’t do it, it’s not possible, they wait for you to die, they honour you and talk all the nonsense they want to talk in your graveyard or when your box is there.”

South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan says the honour bestowed on Mosimane shows the impact of football in South Africa.

Jordaan says, “If you look at how many football leaders were recognized by various universities in our country, then you will understand that football is a major force, a major change agent, a social mobiliser.”

VIDEO | UJ bestows Mosimane with an honorary doctorate: