FILE PHOTO: Pitso Mosimane, a former Mamelodi Sundowns manager and head coach. (Image via AMA/Getty Images, taken by Matthew Ashton)
Pitso Mosimane announced his resignation from Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African champions, on Wednesday.
After eight years in leadership, Mosimane departs Sundowns after leading the team to five league victories and the CAF Champions League crown in 2016.
Mosimane announced his departure from the 10-time league champions in an emotional message that was written “with a sense of pain and sadness.”
Mosimane would not provide any additional details other than to say that he had accepted an invitation to join an international squad.
“I am simply leaving to take the Yellow Nation’s spirit with me. How could a man ever find it easy to leave his home after winning five league titles with Mamelodi Sundowns—the club’s tenth overall? How can I bid farewell to the fans, family, board, and supporters?”
“I’m taking on this new task that will require me to step outside of my comfort zone. I’m sure Mamelodi Sundowns will view this from a novel and innovative angle.
Mosimane submitted his resignation earlier on Wednesday, according to local media, amidst rumors that he might join Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.
Mosimane signed a four-year contract extension with the club only in May, after much uncertainty regarding his future. As such, his departure is surprising.
“Even though I still had four years left on my contract, this offer is a huge opportunity for me. If I hadn’t had the honor of playing for Mamelodi Sundowns in their CAF Champions League victory and their trip to the Club World Cup finals, it would never have happened.”
Mosimane thanked Sundowns president Dr. Patrice Motsepe for his assistance throughout his time there, stating that without Motsepe, he could not have accomplished half of what he did.
“My family has lived in Mamelodi Sundowns for over eight years. I consider President Dr. Patrice Motsepe to be a father figure. He has served as a confidant, friend, mentor, and supporter. Mosimane remarked, “I could never give up on him or Mamelodi Sundowns.
Motsepe “has blessed my move,” Mosimane continued, mentioning how “so good and generous he has been to me.”
Sundowns achieved a historic domestic treble, winning the Telkom Knockout Cup, the Nedbank Cup, and the Premiership title, during Mosimane’s final season with the team.
They achieved a domestic triple, becoming only the second South African team to do it after Orlando Pirates, who have done so twice previously.
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