‘It’s humbling,’ says Pitso Mosimane after University of Johannesburg honorary doctorate award

Then Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane during the Absa Premiership match against Bloemfontein Celtic at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 19 February 2020. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images)

By Yanga Sibembe

24 Jul 2024

South African soccer coach Pitso Mosimane has been a pioneer for much of his career. His contribution to South African soccer was recognised when he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg.

Acclaimed South African soccer coach Pitso Mosimane was on Wednesday awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

Mosimane, who helped build Mamelodi Sundowns into an African soccer heavyweight, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the sport of soccer — not just in South Africa, but on the African continent.

mosimane doctorate Pitso Mosimane’s Honorary Doctorate Ceremony at Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg on 24 July 2024. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images)

“His outspokenness on soccer issues has helped shed light on the talent pool in African soccer and the need for increased investment, plus development on the continent,” said UJ.

“The University of Johannesburg recognises Mosimane for his exceptional achievements, leadership qualities and the positive impact he has made in the world of soccer.”

The former Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United coach has been a pioneer throughout his career — including when he became the first African coach not from Egypt to take charge of Africa’s greatest soccer club, Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Mosimane joined Al Ahly in September 2020. During his tenure, he led the African heavyweights to three CAF Champions League finals on the trot — winning two.

He was the first African coach to win this coveted crown three times, having first won with his former club Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.

Only Portuguese coach Manuel José (with four) has more Champions League titles than Mosimane in Africa.

“It’s humbling,” said Mosimane after the graduation ceremony in Auckland Park. “It’s different from being told that [you will be honoured] and being on the podium. We are ordinary people; we come from soccer. So, when the academics acknowledge and appreciate us, we ask ourselves if it’s really happening.”

As coach of Sundowns, Mosimane won the Premiership five times, along with two Nedbank Cups and two Telkom Knockout titles.

After leaving Al Ahly, he coached in the Middle East. His most recent stint was at the Saudi club Abha.

His first foray into the Gulf was in 2022 when he worked at Al-Ahli in Jeddah. He took the club from the second tier to the top flight, before resigning in mid-2023.

“We always ask whether soccer can change our lives. Whether it can change the narrative. [If my career is the benchmark] then soccer has changed the narrative. It has brought me to rooms that as a South African I never thought I’d enter,” said Mosimane.

“I never thought this [receiving an honorary doctorate] would be happening to me. And you don’t apply. You don’t lobby. You are called… So, it’s humbling,” said the 60-year-old.

Playing career

Mosimane’s professional playing career began in 1982 with Jomo Cosmos, where he was a midfielder.

He also played for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates and had stints in Greece, Belgium and Qatar. Additionally, he represented Bafana Bafana.

Jomo Sono, the owner and founder of Jomo Cosmos, was at the ceremony.

“It’s a big day for soccer,” he said. “To see one of our ex-players and a coach being honoured while he’s still alive. I’m always speaking about this, that we’re only honoured when we’re dead. And when you’re dead you can’t hear anything.

“So, it’s a great day for Pitso. It’s a great day for South African soccer. It motivates players and coaches to work harder when they see something like this happening to a person like Pitso. I feel very proud… Like any father when your child graduates. I’ve come a long way with him. Congratulations to him.”

“He has actualised himself,” said former Safa president Molefi Oliphant. “He has reached the zenith and peak of his career. The mere fact that we gathered here today, for him to be honoured by one of the leading universities in the country … you can’t ask for more.”

Mosimane said the degree from UJ means he is now truly part of his family.

“My wife has two degrees. My daughter has two degrees. My son is at the University of Cape Town and he’s about to finish. They were always saying to me, ‘You’re the only one without a degree.’ Now I can say to them, ‘Look at me now!’

“Yes, it’s an honorary one. But you don’t get it by just walking past. You get it for what you have contributed. Not only to the country, but to the continent.” DM

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