Celebrating Dr Pitso: Fans, Ex Players & Politicians Hail Jingles

Celebrating Pitso Mosimane's landmark moment after receiving his honourary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg.

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All eyes were on Pitso Mosimane on Wednesday as the University of Johannesburg (UJ) conferred an honorary doctorate upon one of South Africa's most decorated football coaches.

UJ announced their decision to honour Mosimane with an honorary doctorate back in March, to recognise his achievements and influence beyond the academic realm.

"UJ's decision to bestow this honour upon Mosimane highlights his influential role in elevating South African football and his dedication to nurturing young talent," revealed the university in a press release after the ceremony.

Along with Pitso's close family and friends, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan was in attendance, with Senegalese head coach Aliou Cisse and the legendary Jomo Sono.

'Jingles', as he's affectionately known, has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career since his first coaching gig with SuperSport United back in 2001.

After a six-year tenure at Matsatsantsa, Pitso had a spell in International football, serving as assistant coach to Carlos Alberto Parreira for Bafana Bafana before assuming the head coach role from 2010 to 2012.

The 59-year-old guided Mamelodi Sundowns to five Premiership titles and a CAF Champions League, a trophy he also clinched twice with Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.

In his acceptance speech upon receiving his honourary doctorate, Pitso looked back on his incredible journey in the beautiful game and touched on the importance of education:

"I am honoured and humbled to stand before you today as the recipient of this honorary doctoral degree from UJ. This moment is a testament to the incredible journey I have had, one that has been shaped by the power of education and the game of football.

"Growing up with a humble background, I never imagined that football would open the doors it has for me. Football has been my passport to the world, providing opportunities that I could have only dreamed of," shared Pitso in his acceptance speech, published in the aforementioned UJ press release.

"As I reflect on my journey, I realise that education has played a crucial role in shaping my career and life. Education in sport is not just about physical training; it is about developing discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership. These are qualities that transcend the football field and are essential in every aspect of life," concluded Mosimane.

Mosimane's former players, Teko Modise and Percy Tau took to Instagram to congratulate him on his special day at UJ, with Jomo Sono also expressing his pride for the decorated coach:

Teko Modise congratulates Pitso Mosimane Pitso Mosimane for receiving his Honorary Doctorate from the University of Johannesburg.Instagram Sourced from Instagram/@therealtekomodise

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Pitso Mosimane receiving his Honorary Doctorate at the Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg on 24 July 2024.Gallo Images Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Pitso Mosimane receiving his Honorary Doctorate at the Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg on 24 July 2024.Gallo Images Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Pitso is still trending on Twitter/X, with fans and other prominent figures and organisations congratulating the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor. Here are the best online reactions:

Pitso Mosimane's thank you to UJ:

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