Renowned South African-born coach Pitso Mosimane has reacted to the announcement that the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will bestow upon him an honorary doctorate.
On Monday, the university announced that it would be celebrating and honouring the most decorated coach in the history of South African football.
Said UJ in a statement: “Mr Pitso Mosimane has achieved notable success as a football player and national and international coach.
“He won the South African Football Association Coach of the Year Award, was awarded the PSL Coach of the Season Award on five occasions, and was named the CAF Coach of the Year in 2016.
“Such accomplishments demonstrate his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to motivate and inspire a team to perform at the highest level.”
The university said Mosimane has been vocal about the potential and quality of African football and has consistently advocated for African players to receive equal opportunities and recognition in global football.
“His outspokenness has helped shed light on the talent pool in Africa and the need for increased investment and development in the continent’s football infrastructure.
“He continues to excel in this avenue with the development of the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools.
“Mosimane’s success has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, demonstrating that African coaches and players can excel at the highest levels of the game.”
Mosimane, who is currently in Saudi Arabia on a mission to prevent the relegation of Saudi Pro League team Abha FC, expressed his gratitude and humility at receiving recognition from UJ and having his football accomplishments recognized.
“I’m grateful to the University of Johannesburg for choosing to recognise and celebrate my career in such a way,” Mosimane said through MT Sports, the agency that manages him.
“I have been and will always be a student of our beautiful game. I’ve won many trophies and awards in my career, but I never thought an accolade such as an honorary doctorate was within my reach as a football person.
“I’m humbled and thankful to the leadership at the university for this acknowledgment and recognition.”
He continued: “This achievement would not be possible without the people who have contributed to my journey, including my players, coaches, football administrators and management, media, my supporters, and the support from the public in South Africa, especially from the football fraternity, as well as from the African continent and the Gulf.”
The ceremony has been set for July 25.
