• Full Name: Pitso John Hamilton Mosimane
• Date of Birth: 26 July 1964
• Birthplace: Kagiso, Krugersdorp, South Africa
• Occupation: Football Coach, Former Professional Footballer
• Nickname: “Jingles”
• Family: Married to Moira Mosimane, father of Reatlegile, Lelentle, and Kopano
• Honors: Five-time PSL Champion, CAF Champions League Winner (3x), Honorary Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg

Who is Pitso Mosimane?

Pitso Mosimane is widely regarded as the most successful football coach in South African history and one of the most respected figures in African football. Nicknamed “Jingles,” he rose from a top-performing student and professional player to a globally celebrated coach. With a career spanning over three decades, Mosimane’s journey from the dusty streets of Kagiso to the world’s biggest football stages is a story of excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership.

Early Life and Education

• Born on 26 July 1964 in Kagiso, Krugersdorp.
• Excelled academically, ranking among South Africa’s Top 100 matriculants of his year.
• Came from a football-rich family background, with uncles Gabriel “Tikkie” Khoza and Edward “Msomi” Khoza playing for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates respectively.
• Developed a love for football and education early, laying the foundation for a career built on intelligence and strategy.

As a youngster in Kagiso, already donning soccer clothes.

Playing Career Highlights

• Began his professional career at Jomo Cosmos in 1984.
• Played for Mamelodi Sundowns from 1986 to 1987, winning the Mainstay Cup.
• Returned to Jomo Cosmos in 1987, winning the NSL League Title in the same year.
• Moved to Durban Bush Bucks in 1988.
• Signed by Orlando Pirates in March 1989; scored a brace on debut against Bush Bucks.
• Played only four months at Pirates before transferring overseas.
• Moved to Greece with Zane Moosa and Thomas Hlongwane to play for Ionikos FC (1990–1996).
• Brief spell in Belgium with Rita Berlaar.
• Returned to South Africa in 1999, rejoining Mamelodi Sundowns, where he scored on debut against Dynamos.
• Played briefly for Bafana Bafana after South Africa’s FIFA readmission but international career was short due to age (already 28 years old).

Transfer Record

In 1986, Pitso Mosimane became the most expensive player in the league when he held the transfer record of R60 000. He was top of the players that Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Zola Mahobe, spent a lot of money to acquire.

Coaching Career Beginnings

• Began coaching career at SuperSport United in 1995, recommended by Thomas Madigage and recruited by Khulu Sibiya.
• Initially Assistant Coach under Bruce Grobbelaar before becoming Head Coach in 2001.
• Won the South African Airways Super8 Cup (2004) and Absa Cup (2005).
• Named PSL Coach of the Year in 2005.
• Served as Bafana Bafana Assistant Coach at 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under Ted Dumitru.

Rise to Bafana Bafana Head Coach

• Assistant Coach at the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa.
• Appointed Head Coach of Bafana Bafana in July 2010.
• Coached South Africa until June 2012; tenure included highs and controversial lows, especially regarding AFCON qualification misunderstandings.

With head coach, Carlos Alberto Pereira.

Dominance at Mamelodi Sundowns

• Appointed Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach in December 2012.
• Revived the club’s fortunes, leading them to unprecedented success:
  • Five PSL titles (2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)
  • 2015 Telkom Knockout Cup
  • 2016 CAF Champions League title — Sundowns’ first, defeating Zamalek.
  • 2017 CAF Super Cup winners.
• Ranked 10th Best Coach in the World by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) in December 2016.
• Named CAF Coach of the Year in 2016.

International Success with Al Ahly SC

• Appointed Head Coach of Al Ahly SC (Egypt) in October 2020.
• Achievements with Al Ahly:
  • Back-to-back CAF Champions League titles (2020, 2021)
  • CAF Super Cup titles (twice)
  • Third place at FIFA Club World Cup (2021).
• Left Al Ahly in June 2022 after winning every major title available to the club.

Recent Coaching Career

• Al Ahli Saudi FC (2022–2023):
  • Took charge in Saudi First Division League.
  • Won promotion to the Saudi Pro League by winning the league.
  • Contract disputes led to FIFA ruling Al Ahli must pay Mosimane $1.15 million for wrongful contract termination and unpaid wages.
• Al Wahda FC (2023):
  • Managed UAE Pro League side.
  • Left the club in 5th place amid disputes over squad selection and interference issues.
• Abha FC (2024–present):
  • Appointed Manager of Abha FC in Saudi Arabia’s top division.
• Esteghlal FC (brief spell, late 2024):
  • Helped club climb out of the relegation zone before departing due to unpaid salaries and contractual issues.

Family and Personal Life

• Married to Moira Mosimane, who also serves as his manager and owns MT Sports Marketing and Management.
• Father to three children: Reatlegile, Lelentle, and Kopano.
• Son Reatlegile Mosimane plays for the Kaizer Chiefs Development Academy.

Legacy and Contributions

• Founded Pitso Mosimane Schools and Pitso Mosimane Youth Football Development Programme in 2023.
• Vision: “Creating the Player of Tomorrow” — nurturing young talent through grassroots football.
• Continues to inspire a generation of African footballers and coaches with his strategic acumen and winning mentality.
• Honorary Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg in 2024 — recognizing his immense contribution to sports and leadership.

Summary

• Pitso Mosimane’s career reflects excellence as a player, tactical genius as a coach, and visionary leadership in youth development.
• His success at Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Al Ahli Saudi has made him an iconic figure in African football.
• Despite challenges and controversies, Mosimane’s name is synonymous with victory, innovation, and building a lasting legacy in football.

With Patrice Motsepe.

Final Thoughts

Pitso Mosimane is a towering figure in African sport.
His achievements are not just records and trophies, but lessons in perseverance, courage, and vision. “Jingles” has redefined what it means to be a successful South African coach on the world stage. His journey from Kagiso to Cairo, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and beyond continues to inspire the next generation of footballers and leaders across the continent.