The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has awarded an honorary doctorate to Pitso Mosimane, one of South Africa’s most celebrated football coaches.

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In a statement, UJ said the honour is in recognition of Mosimane’s exceptional contributions to the sport and his commitment to excellence and innovation.

“Mosimane’s contributions extend beyond coaching; he is an outspoken advocate of African football and has had a significant impact on the development of young African players,” the university statement said.

Mosimane started his professional football career in 1982 with Jomo Cosmos.

The 59-year-old also played for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates and has played in Greece, Belgium and Qatar. He also has four caps for Bafana.

Mosimane’s coaching career began in 1995 at FC Rita Berlaar in Belgium, where he was assistant coach before joining the Sundowns youth academy.

He later led SuperSport United to several titles, including the SAA Super 8 Cup and the ABSA Cup.

Mosimane coached Bafana Bafana between 2010 and 2012 before joining Sundowns, where he won numerous titles including the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup. He was named CAF Coach of The Year in 2016.

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After winning five consecutive league titles with Sundowns, Mosimane left the Brazilians to join Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, where he enjoyed further success, including another CAF Champions League title and a consecutive third-place finish at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The former Bafana coach is currently without a club after parting ways with Saudi Arabian club Abha.