CAPE TOWN - It seems to be an open secret that Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane and presenter Robert Marawa are not on the best of terms, but their rumoured "feud" reached new levels on Saturday as they combined to produce two of the most awkard interviews ever seen at a PSL match.
In the first, a pre-match chat on the field at Loftus Versfeld, where Sundowns took on Kaizer Chiefs in the first game of the new season, Mosimane seemed reluctant to provide any comprehensive answers to Marawa's questions. But it was the second interview, after the game finished in a 1-1 draw, that really got tongues wagging on social media.
After Marawa has finished with his post-match questions, Mosimane asked the presenter about the Man of the Match award that had just been presented to Khama Billiat. "Can I ask who chooses the Man of the Match. Is it SMSs like in the Shell Cup? Who chooses the Man of the Match?" Mosimane said.
After Marawa had informed him that the commentators had selected Billiat as the MOTM and enquired why Mosimane had asked him, the Sundowns boss simply replied with "What did he do?" before walking off screen.
The interaction and Billiat winning the award seemed to divide PSL fans on social media. Many agreed that Billiat deserved the award while others suggested that the former Sundowns player's reputation had preceded him and that there were more deserving candidates. And while some accused Mosimane of behaving unprofessionally, others suggested that the broadcaster should assign a new presenter to Sundowns games.
While we may never know the truth behind rumours that two of South Africa's biggest football personalities are fueding, it does make for excellent social media fodder.
Is this the pitso interview ya'all mad about??
TBH I hear none wrong.
Getting interviewed by someone who has called you a fool..HE DID OK..
I see none unproffesional here. #Sundowns #AbsaPrem #DownsLive #DownsChiefs pic.twitter.com/6uTLH3TvAg
— Lord Brrrkage 👑 (@MulaloBrrr) August 4, 2018
Yeah!! Who chooses man of the match?? Is it the sms like the shell cup?? 😂🤣 #sundowns #Downslive #DownsChiefs #ABSAPrem pic.twitter.com/9kpLVhseLd
— Mavinola (@mavinola) August 4, 2018
Pitso is going to explode this season, no need to hate on Billiat. He is the only one who didn't see what Billiat did, he is petty
— Lush (@Luciah_PS) August 4, 2018
Emotions aside guys...what did Khama Billiat do to deserve Man of the Match award. Pitso Mosimane is right. Khama is a world class player but he did nothing to deserve the award today. #ABSAPrem
— Azania Afrika (@SAYoungLion) August 4, 2018
And the Man of the Match nje was the final straw, what did Billiat do? Rama had a good game, so did Cardosso. Then there was Dennis on Sundowns' side; why Billiat? Even Shabba played better...
— Sammy Mchunu (@sammymchunu) August 4, 2018
And the Man of the Match nje was the final straw, what did Billiat do? Rama had a good game, so did Cardosso. Then there was Dennis on Sundowns' side; why Billiat? Even Shabba played better...
— Sammy Mchunu (@sammymchunu) August 4, 2018
I like Pitso. Giving poor Robert a taste of his own medicine! The coaches are routinely roasted by journalists & Pitso knows he can make the journalist's life uncomfortable by being nonchalant in the interview. Some might disagree, but Pitso is not obliged to be enthusiastic.
— George Makubalo (@GeorgeMakubalo) August 4, 2018
Pitso has reach a point where he can't hide and pretend Robert.Robert keep shading Pitso on all his public platforms Proffessionalism my foot.
— Mthembu..... (@Cibo_eazy) August 4, 2018
Robert & Pitso are going through a tough time in their relationship. One word answers. Moer. pic.twitter.com/KZdosVNRxA
— TweetGuru (@justkholii__) August 4, 2018
Pitso Mosimane....This Man Is Arrogant....maybe arrogance is NOT a right word ....... trying to look for a correct WORD.... PLEASE HELP....
Pitso Has Got a Huge problem....this is unacceptable....I know it's not gonna be condemned because it's not done by Chiefs or Pirates coach
— Lettuce Mathebula (@lettucemtititi) August 4, 2018
Pitso is disrespectful to the viewers and fans with his abrasive answers just coz of his beef with Marawa. Very petty
— Flopo Ya Mampela II 🇿🇦🇧🇼 (@OwaFlopo) August 4, 2018
#AbsaPrem Pitso is not happy that Khama Billiat is the man of the match. This guy is dramatic mara 😂😂😂. #DownsChiefs #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/389fQvLfKY
— Saaz Saida RSA🇿🇦🌐 (@MaximumRSA) August 4, 2018
Very disappointing behavior from #Pitso and his arrogance and attitude towards @robertmarawa is not good for @OfficialPSL totally uncalled for you can't be so rude in public more especially as head coach of big club
— CeboSA (@Cebo_Max) August 4, 2018
I'm tired of people always blaming Pitso. I'm a Sundowns fan and I don't like Pitso but the blame he is getting is uncalled for and it's unfair that Marawa's colleague uses their podium to peddle hate against Pitso every chance they get.
— Scouser Soze #YNWA (@sphaphiwo) August 4, 2018
Robert Marawa showed why he is above the best
Pitso came out worse off
— Sure Kamhunga (@sure_kamhunga) August 4, 2018
@LiamCPT