South African Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns have issued a statement on Pitso Mosimane’s contract situation, saying they will not comment on any media report or speculation regarding the matter.
Mosimane’s contract run’s till the end of June and talks to renew the deal have stalled in the last months.
In a statement released on Monday afternoon‚ the PSL club said “Mamelodi Sundowns has observed over several months the speculation and the false statements concerning several issues including the contract of Pitso Mosimane.”
“It is the policy of Mamelodi Sundowns not to respond or to comment on speculations or false statements.”
“In line with the policy and culture of Mamelodi Sundowns announcements on any matter which is important to the club‚ including Pitso Mosimane’s contract‚ will be made when the club deems it appropriate.”
Mosimane has publicly stated on numerous occasions that he wants to stay at the club where he has been a success over the past seven years, becoming become the club’s longest-serving coach in the PSL era.
He joined the Brazilians in December 2012 after a two year spell as Bafana Bafana coach and has gone on to win four Absa Premiership league titles‚ joining an exclusive club of coaches with four South African league titles.
The other three coaches are Gavin Hunt, Gordon Igesund and the late Ted Dumitru, who won it with Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. He has also won one Telkom Knockout and two Nedbank Cup cups on the domestic scene.
On the continent‚ Mosimane led Masandawana to glory winning their first ever CAF Champions League title in 2016 which was followed by CAF Super Cup glory as well as an appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup and he is regarded as one of the best coaches in African football.
In February‚ the 55 year old stated that said the reason negotiations stalled was not because of disagreements over money.
“Negotiations are still where they were. There is 20 percent left. It is about principle and not money‚ trust me it is not about money.
“I am not playing around and saying money…. its principle.
“It is important that Sundowns are happy and I am happy and if you ask the Sundowns management they will tell you it is not about money.”