Pitso Mosimane is more than a Bafana coach

Pitso Mosimane's record as Bafana coach has been impressive so far, not only on the playing field where the team has displayed some exciting football – but also off the pitch where his work with the players is encouraging.

He has proven himself to be more than a coach to his players. He is building strong relationships with them outside of the national team set-up. He is a father figure to them and cares about their wellbeing. I strongly believe that the players will perform for him and we are still going to see the best of Bafana under jingles’ guidance.

I remember how he stood by Teko Modise when the chips were down for the “General”. Pitso didn’t turn a blind eye and he showed faith in the players’ ability by calling him for national team duty when most people didn’t approve. He was also instrumental in getting Siyabonga Sangweni back to his senses when the Arrows defender was frustrated after failing to get the move away from abafana besthende. Now “Nsimbi” as Sangweni is well known, is back to his doing what he knows best – stopping attackers on their tracks with those tough tackles.

It doesn’t end there, the national team coach also played a role in advising Bafana striker Bernard Parker to move to a club where he will get some game time. By doing that, both the player and the national team will benefit because we will have players who are getting some game time instead of bench – warmers who come to the Bafana squad with a bit of rust. Kagiso Dikgacoi is another example of how players are listening to the coaches and become proactive in their careers.

Pitso’s latest masterstroke was his facilitation of the meeting between Katlego Mphela and Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe. Now the striker is back in action and will definitely fight to get his place in the national team back. Bafana needs goals and Mphela can find the back of the net.

Jingles’ passion for the game is unquestionable and his brutal honesty will ensure that our national team players stay in line and continue to improve Bafanas’ status in world football. He learned a lot from his long stay as the assistant coach and that is showing in the way he approaches his job.

Sometimes teams need more than a coach, they need a leader and a father figure who will give them guidance beyond sport and Pitso is doing that perfectly.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane