Mosimane says Saudi Arabia’s first division can match Sundowns salaries

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says teams in the Saudi Arabia first division can easily match the Tshwane giants’ salaries.

Sundowns are possibly the highest-paying team in the local PSL, often finding it easy to attract players.

Mosimane, who just guided Al Ahli Saudi to top-flight promotion, believes South Africa should export more players to the Middle East.

PITSO MOSIMANE ON SAUDI ARABIA SALARIES

“If we have managed to have players in the English Premier League, which is the best league in the world at the moment.

“If we manage to do that, how come we don’t have players in the Saudi League? We can, yes, of course,” Mosimane told Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000. 

“Here it’s who you are, where did you play, what’s your name, you know. It’s more Brazilians, more European players because they can afford to pay them. In the first division, you get players that can play for Mamelodi Sundowns.”

The former Al Ahly head coach went on to address the issue of players that go broke after retiring. He believes more players should move to leagues like in Saudi Arabia. That way, Mosimane insists they will be able to take care of their families even after football.   

“Our players can make a good living here. They could buy houses, look after their families,” Mosimane added.  

CAN AFFORD TO PAY A SHALULILE

“But I don’t want to go there because it looks like Pitso is trying to take our players out of South Africa. But if you look at the players and you look at their welfare, we worry about empowering their families, them not retiring without money, and setting a good example. 

“They need to move. [They can play in] First Division and Pro League, the first division here, can afford to pay players from Sundowns. Some people say it’s the highest; I don’t know what Pirates and Chiefs are paying, but the first division here can afford to pay a Sirino, can afford to pay a Shalulile, because you remember, I know how much they earn. I signed both of them, [signed] 80 percent of the current squad.”

Even though he has awakened a sleeping giant, “Jingles” will set his sights on winning the First Division and adding more silverware to his already impressive trophy cabinet. 

Story by Joshua Hendricks

RELATED STORY: Legendary Aboutrika disagrees with Gomaa over Pitso Mosimane