The man who achieved a domestic footballing clean sweep
In short: In the landscape of South African football, Pitso Mosimane stands as a singular figure. He is the only manager to ever secure every single domestic trophy available in the Premier Soccer League era, a feat of consistency that cemented his status as a continental powerhouse.
Mosimane's rise to the pinnacle of African football was marked by a historic tenure with Mamelodi Sundowns. After taking the helm in 2012, he guided the club to five ABSA Premiership titles. His most notable achievement during this period occurred in the 2015–16 season, where he secured a complete collection of all domestic trophies. This feat earned him the 2016 Glo-CAF Coach of the Year award in Nigeria and a ranking as the 10th best coach in the world by the IFFHS.
His success extended far beyond South African borders. In 2016, he led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title, defeating Egypt's Zamalek. He later moved to the Egyptian giants Al Ahly, becoming the first non-Egyptian African to manage the club. In a remarkably brief eight-month window, he secured three trophies for them, including a second CAF Champions League title in 2021 and an African Super Cup. These results led some analysts to label him one of the world's premier managers during that period.
Despite these heights, Mosimane's career has been defined by complex transitions and logistical hurdles. His journey includes stints in Greece, Belgium, and Qatar as a player, followed by various roles in Saudi Arabia and Iran. While he has faced significant financial disputes—notably with Al Ahli Jeddah and Esteghlal—his legacy remains anchored in his ability to deliver silverware. His contributions to leadership were formally recognized in August 2024 when he received an honorary degree from the University of Johannesburg.
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