Editors Blog: Against All Odds… A Luta Continua!
Either Phil Collins or Mariah Carey's version of 'Against All Odds' must have been ringing out of Coach Pitso Mosimane's car throughout this past week, as he faced arguably one of the toughest weeks of his coaching career. eNCA's 'Against All Odds' show, hosted by the award-winning Mpho Lakaje, must have also come in handy for motivation, as it is a show that profiles ordinary South Africans making the most of what seems to be impossible situations and changing their lives and the lives of those around them. This is exactly what Mosimane was faced with this past week – turning the impossible into the possible. Faced with a tough midweek MTN8 semi-final second leg against an in-form Chippa United, then the mouth-watering second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final against Zambia's ZESCO United, Mosimane didn't just fold his arms and complain about the limited time he had to prepare. He simply stood up and was counted. His technical team's quality, preparation and proper planning was evident, the players raised their hands, the supporters played their part and the management came to the party! Although there was no travelling involved (for a change) as Sundowns played host in both games, the first leg results meant they were in no position to prioritise one game over the other. Having played to a goalless draw against Chippa in the first leg, Sundowns needed to keep a clean sheet in order to fancy their chances of going through, something they managed to do thanks to a solitary Anthony Laffor strike, which was enough to see them through to the final. Three days later, ZESCO – who had one foot in the final following their 2–1 home win in the first leg – lay in wait. Again, Laffor proved to be the team's catalyst when he found the back of the net five minutes into the game… exactly what Sundowns needed… before Percy Tau put the final nail in ZESCO's coffin after an hour. Game, set and match! Remember, this was not just any other week for Sundowns and Coach Mosimane, as they looked to reach two cup finals and make their own history in both local and continental football. This is the very first time any South African team, other than Orlando Pirates, will be featuring in the continental cup final in the last 10 years. The Buccaneers have since reached the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals, but fell short of repeating the Class of '95's success. To further put things into perspective, on the domestic front the MTN8 is the only trophy Mosimane hasn't won with the Chloorkopbased club since taking over in 2012, with Sundowns last having won the trophy before it was renamed. The last time they were crowned champions of the top eight was in 2007, when it was still known as the SAA Supa 8. That's a long time ago for an ambitious club like Sundowns… Such is the importance of the past week to Sundowns that it wasn't just about reaching those cup finals and the challenges they faced; it was way bigger than that. Mosimane had a huge task on his young coaching shoulders: his personal goal of dominating the continent, the club president Patrice Motsepe'vision of seeing his club counted among the best on the continent, the supporters' high expectations, as well as making the players realise the importance of playing in these continental competitions, while still taking care of business on the home front at the same time. The whole country sat and watched in admiration as Mosimane ticked all of these boxes this past week, and the country will continue to watch as Mosimane continues with his history-making mission in the MTN8 final, as well as the Champions League final first leg in two weeks' time. It has been 15 years since Sundowns last reached the final of the CAF Champions League when they were thrashed 4–1 on aggregate by Egyptian giants Al Ahly, so just reaching the final is an achievement on its own for Motsepe's club and another feather in Jingles' cap. The league schedule also didn't make things any easier for Mosimane and his charges, as, at one stage, they found themselves having to play three games in seven days. Unfortunately, sometimes that's the price you have to pay for your quest to become the best. To whom much is given, much is required, they say. It must also be pointed out that the PSL did well to postpone Sundowns' and Bidvest Wits' midweek games to give Downs more time to prepare for the final…. definitely the right thing to have done. Now Mosimane and his charges go into the final as favourites, but they will underestimate Coach Gavin Hunt and his onform Wits team at their own peril. As Jingles marches on to one of the possible history-making cup finals this weekend, may the sounds of 'Against All Odds' continue to echo around his car and may his charges sing along whenever they hear this inspiring song. As both Mosimane and Motsepe aptly put it, no one remembers number two. A luta continua… vitoria e certa, Jingles! Cheers VeeJay
