Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Siphelele Mthembu, currently with Pretoria Callies, has praised Mamelodi Sundowns’ player recruitment strategy, especially under coach Pitso Mosimane.
Mthembu, now playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, is a well-known figure in the Premier Soccer League. In an exclusive interview with FARPost, the 36-year-old revealed that Sundowns targeted him in 2014 when he was with Platinum Stars. At that time, the Brazilians were led by ‘Jingles’ Mosimane.
Mthembu shared that Mosimane did thorough research on him before making contact, even knowing details about his playing style and lifestyle. Despite this, Mthembu chose to sign with the Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the 2014/15 season.
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Mthembu, who hails from Melmoth, spoke highly of Mosimane, expressing his deep respect for the coach whose contract with Abha recently expired.
“Before I joined Chiefs, Pitso called me from Sundowns. He explained my playing style and what kind of person I am; he did his research,” Mthembu told FARPost. “That’s what I love about Sundowns; they look into how a player lives and other details.
“He was interested in me. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he used to call me and tell me how he would help me become great. He even compared me to a striker overseas, saying I played like him. He knew so much about me, even my lifestyle and training routines.
“I respect that man. He does thorough research and tells you who you are.”
