Pitso Mosimane Alleges Death Threats as He Appeals R7.9 Million Mamelodi Sundowns Ruling

Renowned football coach Pitso Mosimane has alleged that death threats from certain club officials were a key factor in his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Court documents claim that when these threats were reported to then-president Patrice Motsepe, who now heads the Confederation of African Football (CAF), no action was taken.

These explosive allegations are part of an application for leave to appeal filed at the Johannesburg High Court by Mosimane and his wife, Moira Tlhagale's agency, Tlhagale Sports Marketing and Management (TSM).

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The appeal challenges a previous ruling that ordered them to repay over R7.9 million in commission fees to Sundowns.

The original dispute stems from the early termination of Pitso Mosimane's contract in 2020. Mamelodi Sundowns had paid TSM a commission for securing the coach's contract renewal, and the club is now seeking to reclaim a portion of that fee.

In their appeal, lawyers from Mabuza Attorneys argue that Judge Shanaaz Mia erred in her judgment by failing to consider the intolerable working conditions Mosimane faced.

"Mr Mosimane was facing difficulties with various persons employed by or affiliated with the club," the legal papers state as quoted by the Daily Sun.

"These individuals threatened that he would be dismissed, interfered with his professional decisions, and even threatened his life."

The documents further allege that Pitso Mosimane's concerns were dismissed by both Motsepe and club director Rejoice Simelane.

Instead of addressing the threats, Simelane reportedly demanded that Mosimane apologise to Motsepe and other staff members, including those who had allegedly threatened him.

This demand followed a newspaper interview where Mosimane suggested that certain individuals at the club were undermining his success.

The appeal highlights that Simelane did not deny these claims during cross-examination last year, responding only with, "No response, M'Lady." Mosimane's legal team contends that Sundowns' conduct effectively forced him out, making it unjust to penalise him financially.

The appeal also targets the "clawback clauses" in TSM's contract, which stipulated that a portion of the R8.6 million commission must be repaid if Mosimane left the club prematurely.

The lawyers argue these clauses are exploitative and unconstitutional, as they could result in Mosimane owing more than he earned, depending on when his contract was terminated.

"This amounts to the exploitation of Mr Mosimane," the lawyers argued, adding that the judge did not adequately consider the clause's conflict with public policy.

They pointed out that the clause effectively meant an employee would have to compensate the employer for being dismissed, even if the dismissal was unfair.

The Daily Sun pointed out that at the time of publication, Mamelodi Sundowns spokesperson Shupi Nkgadima, as well as Pitso Mosimane and his agency, had not responded to requests for comment.