‘I used to do it differently’: Mosimane questions big three’s decision of touring Europe

Published on by

‘I used to do it differently’: Mosimane questions big three’s decision of touring Europe
Close up with Pitso Mosimane outside the field JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 16: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane stands next to his collection of medals during an interview at his Houghton home on November 16, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mosimane revealed that he loves reading and opened up being a father and the importance of family time. ( PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Gallo00062856 Close Up with Pitso Mosiman Outside The Field Johannesburg South Africa – November 16 Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosiman Matter Next to His Collection of Medals during to Interview AT His Houghton Home ON November 16 2016 in Johannesburg South Africa Mosiman revealed that He loves Reading and opened Up Being A Father and The importance of Family Time PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY

While acknowledging the potential benefits of pre-season matches against European teams, Pitso Mosimane has also raised questions about the bigger picture.

Mamelodi Sundowns are in Austria, Kaizer Chiefs in Turkey while Orlando Pirates recently returned from Spain as all sides are preparing for the 2024/25 season.

Mosimane admitted giving the players an opportunity to compete with players they watch on TV boost their confidence ahead of the new season.

“It’s a good confidence-booster for the teams to play against those top teams,” said Mosimane as quoted by IOL.

“You are exposing players to playing against people they watch on TV and that will show them that these people are human beings just like them. 

“Also, the players get to experience training on top class facilities and will surely be inspired and want to make the move to those big leagues. 

“But more than that, you get to develop relationships with those clubs. You are thus in a position to say to them ‘come check our players out’. There are so many spin-offs.”

However, ‘Jingles' argues that facing African competition in pre-season would be more beneficial for clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, considering they'll be tested there in the Champions League, not in Europe.

WHY MOSIMANE WOULD PREFER AFRICAN TOUR?

“I used to do it differently because I had tunnel vision – the (CAF) Champions League,” he added.

“So, if I am aiming for the Champions League, I need to prepare for where the real thing is. Now, where they (Sundowns and Pirates who will represent South Africa in the CAF Champions League) are preparing – as much as it is good because of those points that I raised – when the Champions League starts, they’ll be faced with a completely different environment. 

“The pitches are not the same; the weather is not the same and all the other things are not the same. So how do you deal with that?

“I used to go to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Ghana because I was saying to the boys ‘these are the tests you are going to face’. I was getting them ready for what was coming, and I believed that it would help. 

“Of course, sometimes it is good to prepare in very easy, smooth environments but the challenge is that when the real thing comes, it is different. I went to Africa because I needed to prepare so they can then see that they can compete.”

Mosimane led the Brazilians to their first CAF Champions League trophy in 2016, defeating Zamalek of Egypt in the final.

<!-- Author Start -->Nkosiyabuya Sithole<!-- Author End -->

Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Author

  • Live sporting events expert

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

You May Also Like