Pretoria - From his classic post-match interviews to his holding back no punches to several trophies under his belt and his dislike of the so-called Kasi flava skills on the field and, of course, his special eye for peculiar talent.
Outgoing Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane will be sorely missed. As a fan of the Brazilians, I have been weeping since the news broke.
Just like Tom and Jerry, Batman and Robin or Popeye and Spinach, it’s difficult to separate one from the other. For me Jingles and Downs are synonymous. Firstly, I’m going to miss his post-match interviews. He often sounded as if he was speaking in riddles, but there is always a jabbing remark cleverly sandwiched between his responses.
And that’s what makes him a great news source. As a journalist you were spoilt for choice for angles after a post-match interview.
But what made it more special was his eyes. Jingles always wore his heart on his sleeve, and it was more evident after a bad game.
I mean who could forget his teary eyes and high-pitched voice when things went south?
Equally, it’s going to be difficult to erase that smug, naughty boy grin when his boys were dancing to his tune and in form with winning ways.
Jingles believes it is better to voice one’s views than to remain silent.
“But if you say nothing, do nothing, you’ll never be criticised. Do nothing and you’ll be nothing. Then you are safe from criticism. I’m doing something and I will always say something.”
That he is generally criticised as being arrogant does not bother him ask renowned broadcaster Robert Marawa (also going to miss their witty and bullying interviews)
Secondly, I am going to miss his player-coach relationship. The compassion and desire to have a deeper understanding of the players at his disposal was a feature of Mosimane’s highly regarded stint at the helm of Downs.
According to staff, Jingles has a tough side, but sometimes he wore his fatherly cap. He has been a player and knows you will perform badly because of personal challenges.
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in December, 2012, Mosimane has overseen an impressive redecoration of the cash flush Tshwane giants’ trophy cabinet. He has led Sundowns to five Absa premiership titles as well as the CAF Champions League, CAF Super Cup, Telkom Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.
For me what has also stood out over the years is Mosimane’s special eye for talent and ability to water it and watch it flourish. Ask Percy Tau, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly, Temba Zwane and Gaston Sirino the man is a machine.
Teko Modise got his mojo back under Jingles. You know why? There was no pressure on “Donna” from him. He cleared all the pressure and spoke life into him. That takes someone special.
When Manqoba Mngqithi joined Mamelodi Sundowns FC, many scribes ran with the angle “Can the two work together?” And “What happened?” And guess what? They won the league.
Even his prodigal son Rulani Mokoena couldn’t help but return to Jingles after a bad stint at Orlando Pirates.
They say if you love something or someone let it go and if it returns it was meant to be I pray this statement comes to fruition. But no hard feelings Jingles do what you were blessed to do, sir, and many thanks.
*Ndlazi is a Pretoria News journalist and diehard Mamelodi Sundowns supporter. He writes in his personal capacity
Pretoria News