Multiple title-winning coach Gordon Igesund is backing Mamelodi Sundowns boss Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane to match South Africa’s great coaches.
Mosimane recently clinched his third league triumph with Sundowns.
He is one triumph away from matching Igesund, Ted Dumitru and Gavin Hunt, whom all won four league titles.
Igesund emerged victoriously with Manning Rangers, Orlando Pirates, Santos and Sundowns.
The former Bafana Bafana mentor is confident Mosimane is capable of landing his fourth triumph.
“Congratulations to Pitso. A lot of people thinks it is easy to do it at a big club, whereas it is not the case. At a big club you have to manage players personalities. The expectations are high. It is difficult to do it continuously. Pitso has done a fantastic job. It is not easy to achieve what he has achieved. The pressure is high and the fans expect to win all the time. You can back him to win this fourth title. It will be a milestone for him, “ Gordon said.
Mosimane has transformed Sundowns in to dominant force in South African football.
The outspoken Mosimane has delivered seven major titles during five year tenure at Sundowns. These accolades comprise three league triumphs, the Caf Champions League, Caf Super Cup, Nedbank Cup and the Telkom Knockout.
Sundowns players throw coach Pitso Mosimane into the air as they celebrate their title win. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
“Records are there to be broken. I also want to win my fifth title. I’ve taken enough of a break from football. Once you win your first title you become determined to win your second. The experience of winning the title is something else. Once you start you want to keep on going. I’m sure Gavin (at Wits) is also looking for his fifth title," Igesund elaborated.
Sundowns are the most successful team in the Premier Soccer League era with a the record eight titles.
“It took a big effort for Sundowns to win the league. They had a tight schedule having to compete in the Champions League but they still manage to win the league convincingly. They were never under pressure.
"Pirates were the only side that pushed them. For me it is more easy to win the league at an unfashionable team because you don’t have pressure there. Even if you finish second, people will applaud you and say you did a fantastic job.
"At Sundowns, Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs you are expected to win,” Igesund explained.
Sundowns will play Barcelona in a friendly match next week Wednesday at FNB Stadium.
The game will kickoff at 6pm.
“What worked for me at Sundowns and Pirates was honesty. I was always honest with my selections. I would also get players to open up. Players are not silly, so I didn’t do the incorrect things,” Igesund concluded.
Sundowns lift the trophy today at Dr Molemela Stadium after they have locked horns with Bloemfontein Celtic.