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.“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.”
