Club Legend Says Mamelodi Sundowns Latest Signing Shows Pitso Mosimane Influence

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Manqoba Ngwenya has praised the club's surprising acquisition of Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng, calling it a "statement signing" and suggesting that former coach Pitso Mosimane may have influenced the high-profile move.

Recent speculation has linked Mosimane with a sensational return to Sundowns, as current coach Miguel Cardoso reportedly faces an uncertain future at Chloorkop amid the team's recent struggles to assert their usual dominance.

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"This Saleng signing is huge for Sundowns. It’s a statement signing showing that Sundowns want to return to their glory days," Ngwenya told Sowetan over the weekend. "This Saleng signing has coach Pitso written all over it."

Ngwenya believes the recruitment of a player like Saleng aligns with Mosimane's philosophy and the club's ambitions.

"We’ve seen reports that the club wants to bring Pitso back, so that makes sense with this Saleng signing," he explained. "Saleng is a natural winner, and he’s a big player, so his profile fits Sundowns."

A strong advocate for Pitso Mosimane's return, Ngwenya argued that Cardoso's approach does not align with the club's established culture.

He expressed confidence that Pitso Mosimane could lead the Brazilians to a second CAF Champions League title, having secured their first and only continental crown in 2016.

"Cardoso is a good coach, but the way Sundowns have been playing under him is not what Sundowns are about," Ngwenya stated. "His philosophy and Sundowns’ culture are two different things; hence, I’d like coach Pitso to come back."

"Coach Pitso is the one who laid the foundation for Sundowns to win these trophies, so they need him to restore that winning culture. I also believe he can deliver another Champions League if he returns."

Pitso Mosimane's potential return comes despite a contentious history with the club he managed from 2012 to 2020. The relationship soured after his departure to Al Ahly in October 2020.

The dispute arose after Pitso Mosimane signed a new four-year contract, for which his agency, MT Sports, led by his wife Moira Tlhagale, was reportedly paid R8 million.

He resigned shortly after, leading Mamelodi Sundowns to take legal action to reclaim the funds for an alleged "breach of contract."

The renewed interest in Pitso Mosimane coincides with Mamelodi Sundowns being in an uncharacteristic second place on the league table, trailing leaders Orlando Pirates by two points, with Pirates also having a game in hand.