Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has shed light on why South African footballers are finding it challenging to break into Europe’s elite leagues, unlike their Zimbabwean counterparts.
Mosimane’s insights come in the wake of Zimbabwean international Marshall Munetsi’s recent move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League (EPL). This transfer highlights a growing trend of Zimbabwean players making their mark in top European competitions.
Zimbabwe’s Football Success in Europe
Zimbabwe has been making waves in European football, with players like Munetsi and Tinotenda Kadewere impressing in France’s Ligue 1. Last season, Marvelous Nakamba represented Zimbabwe in the EPL with Luton Town.
In contrast, South Africa’s presence in top European leagues has dwindled since the 1990s and early 2000s. The current national team is heavily dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns players, with few making it to elite European clubs. Lyle Foster’s Burnley, unfortunately, faced relegation from the EPL last season.
Mosimane’s Explanation
Speaking on The Dan Corder Show on eNCA, Mosimane highlighted the importance of versatility and adaptability in international football. He used Munetsi as an example, stating: “I was watching Wolves playing Man United, I saw Munetsi the boy who was playing for Orlando Pirates and they (Pirates) used him as a midfielder but he was playing as a nine (for Wolves), as a striker.”
The experienced coach emphasized how international football differs from local competitions, drawing from his own experiences: “It just shows that international football and local football are totally different. I was playing as a striker at Cosmos, Sundowns, suddenly when I went to Europe they put me as a winger. Probably I didn’t score enough or was not strong enough to be a nine.”
The Importance of Positioning and Adaptability
Mosimane stressed that South African players often specialize in one position while playing in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which could limit their growth and adaptability at the international level. He emphasized the need for players to be versatile and open to different roles: “It’s positioning, where the coach feels he can get the best out of you. We have the flair, we play well but as long as we don’t have players in Ligue 1, La Liga, Primeira Liga, in the Premier League, Serie A… We can say we’re good but we need players in that level because others will follow.”
The Path Forward
Drawing from his experience coaching against world-class players, Mosimane outlined key areas for improvement: “I’ve coached against Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante. The real challenge in South Africa is why we don’t have players in those spaces.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need to focus on crucial skills: “We discuss development, but we don’t address how to get there. It all comes down to positioning, ball control, and decision-making—skills that distinguish superstars like Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Neymar.”
As South African football looks to regain its foothold in top European leagues, Mosimane’s insights provide valuable food for thought for players, coaches, and administrators alike.