Mamelodi Sundowns‘ talisman Themba Zwane has shared the one trait he learnt from Pitso Mosimane.
Zwane said this as PUMA celebrated a decade with him on Thursday night.
“PUMA is a brand that prides itself on partnering with special players, including Jomo Sono and Doc Khumalo.
“And when we first saw Themba Zwane play, his talent was self-evident,” said Tshepo Mashishi, PUMA SA Regional Marketing Manager.
THEMBA ZWANE HAILS PUMA PARTNERSHIP
“Little did we know we were beginning a partnership that would go on for so many years with so much success on the pitch.”
Zwane described his decade-long flirtation with PUMA as “a stroke of luck”.
“When PUMA approached me back then, I was still in my first season as a professional player in the PSL. For them to show interest in me when I was unknown and unproven speaks volumes about their way of looking at and nurturing talent.”
Interestingly, he zoomed in on the coaches that have mentored him, citing what he learnt from each of them.
‘Mshishi’ rose to stardom under the tutelage of Mosimane at Sundowns. He credits him for developing a champion mindset.
PITSO MOSIMANE INFLUENCE
“Clive Barker gives you the confidence that nothing is impossible; Shakes Mashaba instils the fighting spirit; Johan Neeskens encourages freedom on the pitch; Pitso Mosimane develops a winning mentality; Steve Kompela is a great motivator; Rhulani Mokwena is a modern coach who pushes you to learn new ways; Manqoba Mngqithi is a father figure who can interact with you as a player beyond the pitch,” he said.
During his decade with PUMA, he has won league titles, the CAF Champions League and was named PSL Footballer of the Year.
The Tembisa-born ace said his mental strength had carried him through over the years.
“The physical, technical and tactical aspects are very important, but without mental strength, you can’t survive at this demanding level.”
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