Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane says he has “given up” on Europe after not making the Best Fifa Men’s Coach award shortlist for 2021.
Mosimane was snubbed at the prestigious awards, despite his numerous achievements.
The three men's coaches who made the list are Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel, the Italian national team's Roberto Mancini and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.
According to the organisation, the awards are given to the outstanding coach in football as voted for by an international jury made up of an array of players (one per team), coaches (one per team), journalists and fans.
Mosimane said he did not make the cut because he was from the “wrong continent”.
“Unfortunately, we are from the wrong continent. [I] have given up on Europe,” he said.
“If Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah, and so on can win the Uefa Champions League, Premier League and Fifa Club World Cup and still not win any world or European awards, who are we? Samuel Etoo and Raheem Sterling objected and voiced out, but who cares?”
Unfortunately we from the wrong continent.Have given up on Europe.If Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah etc can win the UEFA Champs League,EPL &FIFA Club World Cup and still not win any World or European Awards,who are we?Samuel Etoo & Rahid Sterling objected & voiced out,but who cares? https://t.co/ySScJoXeDN
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) January 13, 2022
Mosimane's exclusion from the nomination list had many talking, including the New York Times, which questioned the logic behind it.
Speaking to the New York Times about the snub, Mosimane said Africa was not the only continent that was overlooked.
“It is as though it does not mean as much when you win in the competitions that do not generate the most money, that do not have the biggest audiences,” he said.
Mosimane said he would continue “changing the game”.
Thank you so much @RorySmith and @nytimes for the amazing conversation. This article has some important discussion points, thank you for looking in our direction. Looking forward to connecting with you again. Let’s keep #ChangingTheGame 💪🏾 https://t.co/yQpCgTIH35
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) January 17, 2022
Many also weighed in on the snub on social media, saying Mosimane's deserved some respect.
Others slammed Fifa for its “continuous treatment of African competitions as small tournaments”.
Here is a snapshot of what some had to say:
He has been winning consistently over decade now, but still he isn't given the credit he deserves. Touchel, Zidane, kloop and Co they all started winning titles few years. And Jingles won more trophies 🏆 combined. But they are regarded the best in the world 🌎. But he isn't 😏
— Kgosietsile_Otladisa🇿🇦🇧🇼 (@Otladisa_KgosiJ) January 17, 2022
Good read @RorySmith.The fact that @TheRealPitso was not even nominated for the FIFA Best Coach of the Year is laughable.He has achieved a lot in a short span in an environment where bigger and renowned names failed woefully.The name deserves some respect just as the continent.
— Kofi (@KofiAdae) January 16, 2022
Top interview Rory, and the bottom line is highly important. Achievements in football shouldn’t be overlooked because of geography/stereotypes. Marcelo Gallardo, Lionel Scaloni, Djamel Belmadi also could feature in this list, but what’s far from Western Europe doesn’t count.
— Uri Levy (@Levyninho) January 17, 2022
Thank you New York times for recognizing Soccer excellence beyond Europe, South America, Afrika and Asia are also big contributors to FIFA being what it is and yet the organization still treats these continents as second class citizens.
— J Slide (@NativeSLIDE) January 17, 2022
Well written article by Rory Smith. Pitso Mosimane is undoubtedly one of the best coaches in the world, anyone who knows football will agree. Unfortunately FIFA is an archaic institution led by by dinosaurs.
— Pinky Sithole 💗 (@pinkysithole17) January 17, 2022
Dear My Friend Coach Pitso Mosimane
— 🇪🇬Essam Farahat عصام فرحات🇪🇬 (@essamfarahat25) January 17, 2022
It is justice and fairness towards a technical director who enjoys competence and hard work
With my best wishes and best regards,
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