Da Gama credits Mosimane for pioneering coaching opportunities outside SA
SA football is experiencing a surge in its coaching ranks on the international stage. More local tacticians are venturing abroad to take on new challenges, and Owen Da Gama has acknowledged a key factor behind this trend: Pitso Mosimane.
Mosimane’s coaching career has been nothing short of phenomenal. His success with Mamelodi Sundowns, culminating in continental glory – the CAF Champions League, was impressive.
However, it was his audacious move to take charge of Egyptian giants Al Ahly that truly redefined expectations. Mosimane’s tactical acumen not only propelled Al Ahly to further success but also shattered preconceived notions about the capabilities of South African coaches.
The SA serial winner Mosimane’s coaching career is decorated with trophies, a testament to his two decades of success. He’s a multiple PSL Coach of the Year winner, earned CAF Coach of the Year in 2016 and even reached the prestigious ranking of 10th best coach in the world that same year.
His trophy haul includes titles in SA with SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, Egypt with Al Ahly, and most recently, the Saudi Arabian First Division with Al Ahli.
He is currently unattached following his short stint with Saudi Arabia side Abha Club, who were relegated from the Saudi Pro League last season.
The former Bafana Bafana mentor has also coached Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi and UAE Pro League outfit Al Wahda FC.
OWEN DA GAMA ON PITSO MOSIMANE’S IMPACT ABROAD
Coach Owen Da Gama hails Mosimane as the trailblazer who kicked open doors for SA coaches abroad. Mosimane’s trophy-laden career, especially his success outside SA, has piqued the interest of international teams, making them more receptive to SA coaching talent.
Following Morena Ramoreboli’s appointment at Botswana giants Jwaneng Galaxy and Willy Moloto’s move to Real Academicals in Ghana, two more SA coaches have landed jobs on the continent.
Fadlu Davids, formerly of Raja Casablanca, will take over at Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC. Meanwhile, Rulani Mokwena, who left Sundowns has joined Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
This recent surge highlights the growing demand for SA coaching expertise abroad.
“I think we have to thank coach Pitso Mosimane,” Da Gama told FARPost. “Mosimane was really the first coach to go out there and win a cup [CAF Champions League with Al Ahly].
“That put SA and SA coaches on the map; the rest is history. There has to be somebody who set the trends, and Pitso did that. So, for any opportunity to coach outside of SA, we should thank Pitso.
“Rulani [Mokwena] did well at Sundowns. We all know those records and unbeaten runs. Fadlu [Davids] did well with coach Josef Zinnbauer in Morocco for Raja Casablanca. He then got a job at Simba SC.”
Da Gama further backed Davids and Mokwena to succeed in their respective teams, as they are experienced and can handle the pressure.
“I think they will do very well. Rulani has been an assistant coach, and then he became a head coach. Fadlu was exposed to that when he was at Raja Casablanca, so there is nothing new there. Both of them will handle the pressure very well,” he added.
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