Zacharia Nale

EVATON.- Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane hailed the Vaal Triangle for its consistent ability to produce exceptional football talent.

Mosimane visited the Celta Vigo Academy at their Zone 3 Stadium home ground and club-house on Thursday. He is currently focused on grassroots football development through his Pitso Mosimane School Sports programme, which partners with educational institutions to offer physical education curricula and extra-mural football.

The visit proved to be a historic occasion for local youngsters and development coaches, who enjoyed a rare opportunity to interact with the legendary manager. Mosimane highly commended the excellent work being achieved at the academy under the leadership of Coach Themba Dlamini.

Vaal is renowned for producing some of the finest players

Addressing the young players and coaches, Mosimane said the Vaal Triangle is renowned for producing some of the finest players in South African football, and he deeply respects the region for consistently developing world-class talent. He highlighted Augustine Makalakalane, whom he played alongside at Jomo Cosmos and Bafana Bafana, as a prime example of the region’s quality.

Mosimane expressed immense respect for Dlamini’s dedication, commitment, and contribution to South African football. The bond between the two men spans many years, dating back to Dlamini’s playing days. Mosimane coached Dlamini as an 18-year-old at the Barney Mokoena School of Excellence, shortly before Mosimane moved to SuperSport United.

Their enduring union is built on shared values, friendship, integrity, and strong principles.

Mosimane hopes to build a longlasting relationship and an exchange programme with Celta Vigo Academy

Mosimane expressed his delight at seeing someone he previously coached doing so well for football development in the country. He described Dlamini as one of the best development coaches available, noted for producing top professional players. Looking ahead, Mosimane stated he hopes to build a long-lasting relationship and an exchange programme with Celta Vigo Academy.

“I’m looking forward to having a long-lasting relationship with Celta Vigo and having an exchange programme. Vaal is and will always be close to my heart because I played with and against top players from this region. I feel very special for the love that the club showed to me, especially the parents who came to welcome me,” said Mosimane.

The visit was football related

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Dlamini explained that while the visit was football-related, it was also deeply personal due to their long history together.

“My relationship with Coach Pitso goes back to when I was 18, and his grandmother lived and is buried here in Evaton. He has been my role model and mentor through my playing and coaching career.  That makes working together natural. Coach Pitso is hardworking and dedicated his life to football. Celta Vigo players and coaches will learn from the best,” said Dlamini.

The primary purpose of Mosimane’s visit was to explore future collaborations between the Celta Vigo Academy and his own sports programme, with a view to sharing training methodologies and coaching resources.