Share

Motsepe hails Mosimane as a local hero

Cape Town - Patrice Motsepe has spoken of his admiration and pride of head coach Pitso Mosimane after Mamelodi Sundowns secured the CAF Champions League trophy.

Since taking over the Brazilians in 2004, Motsepe made no secret of his desire to bring continental glory back to South Africa, with Orlando Pirates being the only winners of Africa's highest club honour.

With their 3-1 aggregate win over five-time winners Zamalek on Sunday, Bafana Bastyle brought back the trophy for the first time 21 years - a feat which Motsepe says is extraordinary - as a local coach provided him with his dream title.

"I had lots of coaches from all over the world," he said after the game as quoted by IOL.

"I had to wait for a young man from South Africa to show us, something that we always knew, that we have so much talent in South Africa. We must just give our coaches a chance."

The South African businessman believes that will only draw inspiration from the battle Sundowns had to undergo with Mosimane in a quarterback role guiding his troops.

"There's a young boy from Soweto, KwaMashu or Khayelitsha, who looks at Pitso and says that here is one of our own winning the highest and most respected trophy in Africa, I can also do it whether as a coach or a player," the 54-year-old continued.

"It's so emotionally fulfilling and it makes me so happy to be with these supporters who sing and are so passionate. They are the heartbeat of this team. Without them there is no Sundowns."

Meanwhile, Sundowns are expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday, October 26.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
52% - 13 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
48% - 12 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE