UJ to award Pitso Mosimane an honorary Doctorate degree

by Sergio Miller

In just a few months from now one of South Africa’s most successful football coaches Pitso Mosimane will be trading his title as coach to being addressed as Doctor Pitso Mosimane.

This comes after the University of Johannesburg decided to honour the football mastermind with an honorary doctorate degree.

The university revealed that Pitso’s achievements throughout the years, as both coach and player and his commitment to mentoring and developing young players from grassroots levels was enough motivation to grant the award to the 59-year-old.

In a statement, they further added that his “Accomplishments demonstrate his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to motivate and inspire a team to perform at the highest level.

Pitso’s accomplishments include winning the South African Football Association (SAFA) Coach of the Year, 5x PSL Coach of the Season winner, and CAF Coach of the Year in 2016.

Over the years he coached several well-known teams including SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Egypt’s Al Ahly, Al Wahda as well as Abha FC in the Saudi pro league.

In response to the news confirming his award as an honorary doctorate, he released a statement saying:

“I’m grateful to the University of Johannesburg for choosing to recognise and celebrate my career in such a way.

“I have been and will always be a student of our beautiful game. I’ve won many trophies and awards in my career but I never thought an accolade such as an honorary doctorate was within my reach as a football person.”

Giving credit to those who have been part of his journey, he added: “This achievement would not be possible without the people who have contributed to my journey, including my players, coaches, football administrators and management, media, my supporters and the support from the public in South Africa, especially from the football fraternity.”

Meanwhile, the official ceremony is set to take place on Thursday 25th July.

Also see: North-West University to award Rassie Erasmus with honorary doctorate