City stand in Pitso’s way
A successful defence of the Absa Premiership crown is undoubtedly top of Pitso Mosimane's list of priorities and Mamelodi Sundowns' title defending credentials will be tested tonight when they host Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Pitso Mosimane (Coach) of Mamelodi Sundowns and Benni McCarthy (Coach) of Cape Town City FC during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
The Brazilians have claimed three league titles under the leadership of Mosimane since he took charge of the Chloorkop-based side in 2012, but have never managed to retain the title.
Mosimane’s side come off the back of a 1-1 draw with log leaders Bidvest Wits and “Jingles” said he anticipates more of the same approach from Benni McCarthy’s team. Meanwhile, City have moved to forth, within three points of Masandawana after beating Maritzburg United 3-2.
To leapfrog Sundowns into third place, they would need to win by four clear goals. While winning the league is a priority, there is also the Caf Champions League while Mosimane’s other goal is to complete the inaugural Caf Pro License course – her travels to Morocco on a regular basis to attend the programme.
“We are taught by the Fifa French tutors, it is not Moroccans. We are paying our dues there, it is not easy, I am going to miss the last day of the seminar because I have to be back for Cape Town City. I have to complete this thing. I know the Pro License as a 12-month program but some guys get it in three weeks, I think I went to the wrong course,” Mosimane told reporters.
He added: “I have got three more modules so hopefully during the Fifa break I will try to remain in Morocco because that is the week that we are playing Wydad Casablanca.
“It is important to show respect and you have to complete when you are invited to the course. It does not make you a better coach but it equips you a lot… When you want to apply in Europe and people ask who you are, then you show your CV.”
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