MULTIPLE award-winning Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane confirmed on Sunday that there are “legalities involved” in the controversial Justin Shonga’s move to South Africa, having been accused of signing two contracts with different clubs.
Shonga, the lethal 20-year-old Zambian striker, is registered with the PSL as an Orlando Pirates player for this current season, but Sundowns believe they too have a claim on the player as they say he has also signed a contract with them.
During their night to remember on Sunday, where the Brazilians won three accolades at the Gauteng Sports Awards at the Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp, the Downs coach confirmed that he “was there when Shonga signed a contract” with Sundowns and “I even took pictures with him”.
Shonga was on the bench and made his debut when he replaced Thembinkosi Lorch in the 66th minute when Pirates played to a 2-2 draw against Polokwane City at the weekend.
Mosimane explains: “There is a little bit of confusion there with Justin. Justin came to the club, we talked to him . . . We will see how it goes going forward. There is a little bit of legalities. But I was there when we signed Justin. The rest I will leave to the club, to do what they have to do.”
At the glittering awards ceremony, Mosimane – who attended the event straight from Rustenburg where they beat Platinum Stars 1-0 in the league – walked away with the Coach of the Year trophy while his club received the Team of the Year honours for all their achievements over the past season.
Hlompho Kekana was the big winner when he was voted Sports Personality of the Year.
Mosimane said they were humbled by all the recognition “and we will remain humbled”.
“But we should also celebrate being acknowledged for the performance that we have given, especially in the league, Caf Champions League and the Caf Super Cup for representing the country,” said the reigning Africa Coach of the Year.
“For me the most important award is the Team of the Year award because it represents all, even those who were not nominated for these awards. It included everybody.
“I believe Hlompho deserved his award because he has been nominated for so many awards in the last three years, including the last Fifa Puskas Award, but he has never won any.
“I think this is about time. As the saying goes – good things come to those who wait.
“Above all three the Sundowns awards there is a common denominator which is the club – made up of the players, technical team, management, the board, the president, the supporters and our families.”
He admitted the awards would add to the pressure they currently found themselves under: “Pressure is always on people who are doing something right.
“Remember, we are part of the top eight teams in Africa.”
