Four months after agreeing on a new contract at Mamelodi Sundowns, coach Pitso Mosimane has shed light on the protracted negotiations behind the scenes.
‘Jingles’ signed a what’s reportedly a lucrative four-year deal back in May before his initial deal was expected to run out on June 30.
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In his forthright manner, Mosimane had always been vocal about his wish to remain in the hot seat, but the club, surprisingly, appeared to drag its feet in concluding talks over this future with rivals teams both here at home and abroad waiting in the wings.
But his crowning moment arrived on Saturday with a record 10th league title for Sundowns and an unprecedented fifth for Mosimane in his seven years at Chloorkop – some vindication for the coach as he opened up about ‘doubters’.
“It’s been a difficult year because there have been a lot of doubters – media talks, but the yellow nation never gave up. This title is special and it is sweet,” the coach told journalists.
“Do you know how long it took for my contract to be renewed? You know how long I begged for my contract – that I am the right guy, and that I have earned it?”
Downs overtook Kaizer Chiefs, who led the log table throughout the season and fell at the last hurdle, to be crowned the champions at the weekend.
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“I got it and I am still standing. It has been difficult at the club, it was very difficult for me this year. It has never been this difficult in all my years at Sundowns, but if you are strong mentally and keep things to yourself, not going out to make excuses, then the team shows it is strong,” Mosimane explained.
“Next year we will be even stronger. All I wanted for Sundowns, for the board and the fans is a different star below their badge. The rest is history – the other things will always be there in football. Not many people are happy about this trophy, but it is here.”
Story by @superjourno
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