Michaelson Ntokozo Gumede

By Ntokozo Gumede

Journalist


Africa is not for the faint hearted – Mosimane

2016 Caf Champions League winning coach Pitso Mosimane says teams need to develop a thick skin to compete in continental competitions.


Mamelodi Sundowns are set to begin this season’s group stages against defending champions Wydad Casablanca early next month – a phase they have reached for three years running.

“Orlando Pirates always play there. They have been there and did it before us,” said the Sundowns coach.

“Four years in a row now, who qualifies for four years in a row? We are No.1 or No.2 every year in the league. It is only Esperance, Al Ahly and Sundowns,” he added.

Mosimane is not quite happy with South African teams’ performance in the Champions League and Confederation Cup, suggesting that some aren’t taking it seriously.

“All I see are people playing second string teams and things like that. When it is like that, you can never compare with Mamelodi Sundowns in that space. Let’s travel the same route with me, you can’t half way and then when you reach there you say I’ve won.”

The former Bafana Bafana coach has insisted that most clubs in the Premier Soccer League have the financial backing to do well on the continent.

“It has nothing to do with money because people say it costs us money. Bidvest Wits are rich and SuperSport United are sponsored by the TV channel. The other two teams, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are well sponsored so there is no issue of losing money.”

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