The world of football is often a high-pressure environment, demanding unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of victory. But for former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, affectionately known as "Jingles," the pressure took a toll on his health, leading to a dramatic showdown with the club that ultimately ended his reign.
Sunday World has obtained letters exchanged between Mosimane, Sundowns board member Rejoice Simelane, and club president Patrice Motsepe, revealing a behind-the-scenes struggle between the coach and the club over his health and workload.
The saga began with a significant salary increase for Mosimane, bumping his monthly earnings from R840 000 to R1.5 million. While a testament to his success, the raise came with a caveat: increased expectations and a heavier workload.
Mosimane, however, was already battling pre-existing health conditions, including a heart condition and hypertension. He expressed his concerns to Motsepe, fearing that the added pressure would exacerbate his ailments.
In a letter dated August 22, 2020, Simelane addressed Mosimane's concerns, acknowledging the "burdensome" and "stressful" nature of his role as head coach.
"You particularly referred to the health condition of your heart and your exposure to sugar diabetes. Mamelodi Sundowns and yourself must work together, including with the support of your family, to ensure that your health condition is looked after and receives constant priority attention," Simelane wrote.
However, Simelane also made it clear that the club's expectations remained unchanged despite the salary increase. She emphasized the importance of pre- and post-match reports, a new requirement that added to Mosimane's already demanding schedule.
"Mamelodi Sundowns is concerned about your perception that, due to the significant increase in your salary, the club is going to expect excessive results from you and is going to put pressure on you to attain those results; which pressure will have an impact on your health."
Mosimane, in his reply, clarified that he did not have diabetes, but rather high blood pressure, and expressed concern that some of the demands in Simelane's letter contradicted their previous agreement.
He highlighted the hectic schedule, often playing two to three games a week, and requested a 96-hour window to submit post-match reports.
"I would like you to kindly please consider that most of the time we have tight back-to-back match schedules due to us being in CAF Championship and progressing to the finals of cup games. We usually play two to three games a week plus travelling time. I therefore humbly request that we [be] given 96 hours to submit the post-match report," Mosimane wrote.
The exchange of letters reveals a clear tension between Mosimane's desire to prioritize his health and the club's relentless pursuit of success. The pressure to deliver results, coupled with the demanding schedule and the new reporting requirements, created a stressful environment that ultimately proved unsustainable for Mosimane.
Mosimane's departure to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly, following his complaints about the workload, marked a dramatic end to his tenure at Sundowns. The club subsequently sued Mosimane, his wife, and his agent, Moira Tlhagale, demanding the repayment of an R8 million commission paid to Tlhagale, as he had left before the end of his contract.
The legal battle, which is still ongoing, further highlights the complex relationship between Mosimane and Sundowns. It also raises questions about the balance between ambition and well-being in the demanding world of professional football.
