Pitso Mosimane on former player: ‘I’d put my head on the block for him’
Pitso Mosimane has lavished praise on one of his former players, saying he would ‘put his head on the block for him’.
Mosimane is known for building close relationships with his players, a hallmark of his successful career as a coach.
The five-time DStv Premiership champion has coached SuperSport United, Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly. His career has also taken him to Saudi Arabia, where he coached Al Ahli and, most recently, UAE’s Al Wahda.
Several of his ex-players have revealed how much he takes an interest in the welfare of those he coaches. The veteran mentor has picked one of his ex-players, whom he describes as a “student who respects the game”, stating how he would put his head on the block for him.
MOSIMANE ON WHY HE WOULD PUT HIS HEAD ON THE BLOCK FOR HIS FORMER PLAYER PERCY TAU
In a recent podcast interview on Sports Live with BBK, Mosimane, who coached Tau at both Sundowns and Al Ahly, spoke candidly about their relationship.
“Percy Tau, I can put my head on the block,” Mosimane declared. “Percy [Tau] and Khaya Shozi were close [while we were at Sundowns]. I knew I had a succession plan [at Sundowns]. We gave Khaya a senior contract before Percy. [And I said to Percy] Prove to me. I’m happy to be proven wrong [that you’re ready to play in the first team].”
Mosimane’s belief in the 29-year-old’s potential paid off handsomely, as the attacker became a star player for Sundowns and, now, Al Ahly. In December 2023, Tau became the first South African to be named CAF Men’s Inter-Club Player of the Year.
DECISION TO LEAVE BRIGHTON FOR AHLY
Some questioned Tau’s decision to leave the English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion for Al Ahly in 2021. Mosimane, however, sees it differently.
“[People say Percy Tau] leaving Brighton to join Al Ahly was a downgrade. It depends how you look at it,” he said. “You’re moving from EPL to Egypt, but it’s not a downgrade when you’re being loaned to Belgium.”
Mosimane emphasises the unique opportunities available to players at top African clubs like Al Ahly, including playing in prestigious tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Brighton players will never play at the [FIFA] Club World Cup,” Mosimane pointed out. No other South African footballer has featured in the FIFA Club World Cup more than the former Witbank Spurs winger.
“Percy is not just any other player. I don’t coach Percy; I don’t tell him to work hard.”
Mosimane describes Tau as a self-driven and dedicated player who doesn’t need micromanaging. “He’s that student who you say give me this assignment in five days and then after two says he’s done,” he said. “He respects the game.”
Mosimane’s glowing words speak volumes about Tau’s talent and work ethic. Bafana Bafana’s hopes at the AFCON that roars to life on 16 January 2024 rest on Tau’s shoulders.
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