South African coach Pitso Mosimane’s future seems to be a topic of discussion almost every season.
Whether Mosimane is in a job or not, there seems to be speculation of where his next job will be.
Mosimane is currently the head coach of Abha Club in the Saudi Arabia topflight. He joined the club on a short-term contract. He was also appointed during the middle of the season, with the club hoping he saves them from relegation. His agent and wife Moira Tlhagale stated clearly to his current club that he is there temporarily.
Tlhagale did, however, state that Mosimane would be willing to sit down and re-negotiate with Abha should they avoid relegation. She also explained that although the ambition was to coach a national team. That was a huge statement to make and an eyebrow raiser, especially with ‘Jingles’ being linked with the Nigeria job.
Last month, it was reported that Mosimane and Nigeria were in talks. What fuelled this speculation was their appointment of Finidi George only in a caretaker role. And with ‘Jingles’ only signing a short-term deal at Abha Club, the speculation was that, he would take over the Super Eagles in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana.
Furthermore, Mosimane had previously flirted with the prospect of coaching a Nigerian side he claimed was filled with quality.
Nigeria snub Mosimane for George
“To be honest, I still want to do a national team. I don’t choose what comes, but if you say, ‘Am I interested?’ I am interested. I would like to lead a team in the World Cup. Africa has nine places. But to have (Samuel) Chukwueze and the boy playing for Napoli (Victor Osimhen) as your striker — that Nigerian team is unbelievable,” he once said in a virtual presser with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA).
But such a dream will have to be placed on pause for now as Nigeria announced the permanent appointment of George. That all but ending speculation of Mosimane taking over. Those that could end up benefiting the most from this are Kaizer Chiefs.
More hope for Chiefs?
Chiefs have long been touted as huge admirers of Mosimane and could be encouraged by this latest development. It remains to be seen if they will make a formal offer for the man who grew up supporting the club.
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