Emotions can get the better of Pitso Mosimane.
On August 4, the Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs played to a one-all draw in South Africa’s Premier League play. While the Sundowns saw more of the ball, the Chiefs persevered largely through the efforts of former Sundowns’ player, Khama Billiat. Billiat had his way with the Sundowns’ defense and was selected Man of the Match.
Pitso Mosimane (photo, Football Premium)
During the post-match press conference, Sundowns’ manager, Pitso Mosimane enquired, “Who was the Man of the Match?” When told it was Billiat, Mosimane asked sarcastically, “And what did he do?”
That response was both unfortunate and unnecessary, motivated by Mosimane’s anger toward Billiat for leaving the Sundowns.
A player has the right to seek greener pastures. A former coach should not criticize him for doing that. Indeed, Mosimane was on the receiving end when Billiat left Ajax Cape Town for the Sundowns.
I believe Mosimane violated a FIFA rule by criticizing Billiat’s selection as Man of the Match. Would Mosimane have issued a remark like that had the selection been a different player? It’s unlikely. The target was Billiat and his decision to play for a rival team.
It’s just one more example of how Mosimane’s emotions can get out of control. Consider what former Sundowns’ player, Teko Modise, said about his experience with the manager: “Two seasons prior to my departure at Sundowns, Pitso was not talking to me. And this is the guy I saw every day in the camp, more than my kids at home.”
There’s too much angst in how Mosimane approaches managing. FIFA should sanction Mosimane and teach him a lesson.
