Pitso Mosimane Appeal Date in Legal Dispute With Mamelodi Sundowns Revealed as Return Talks Heat Up

As speculation mounts about a potential return to Mamelodi Sundowns for Pitso Mosimane, the legal dispute between the decorated coach and his former club is set to proceed.

Pitso Mosimane's relationship with the Brazilians deteriorated around the time of his departure to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly in September 2020, which occurred shortly after he had signed a new four-year contract with the South African club.

Following his exit, the Tshwane-based club initiated legal action against Pitso Mosimane and his agency, MT Sports, which is owned by his wife, Moira Tlhagale.

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Mamelodi Sundowns sought the repayment of a portion of the agent's commission fees that had been paid in advance.

The high-profile case was heard at the South Gauteng High Court, where Mamelodi Sundowns demanded the return of nearly R8 million. In September of last year, a judgment was delivered in favour of the perennial DStv Premiership champions.

At the heart of the civil claim was a "clawback clause" in the contract. This clause reportedly stipulated that if Pitso Mosimane did not complete his contract, the commission paid to his agency for the remaining period would be refunded. MT Sports countered, arguing that the clause was unconstitutional and against policy.

During the proceedings, Tlhagale testified that she believed the clawback clause was discriminatory based on her race and gender, especially when compared to the terms offered to other prominent agents in the football industry.

However, Judge Shaanaz Mia ruled against this argument. "The agreement was beneficial to him, and he was aware of the consequences of signing the agreement and the rights and obligations it contained," the judge stated in her ruling, as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

"Whilst Ms Tlhagale related that the clawback clause applied to her gender and race, the clawback clause was applicable to both the intermediary and employment contracts, where it applied irrespective of gender."

In response to the ruling, MT Sports, represented by Mabuza Attorneys, promptly filed an appeal. It has now been confirmed that the appeal will move forward, even as rumours link Pitso Mosimane with a possible comeback as Sundowns' head coach.

Attorney Eric Mabuza of Mabuza Attorneys confirmed the latest development on Monday. "It's going ahead on the 14th of January," he said. "In fact, we're trying to finalise the time with the court, but as far as I know, it's going ahead."

The juxtaposition of a courtroom battle and a potential coaching reunion creates a surreal narrative for Pitso Mosimane. While the January 14 appeal date looms as a final hurdle in a bitter financial disagreement, football has a way of healing old wounds through ambition.

If Pitso Mosimane and Mamelodi Sundowns can settle their differences, both legally and professionally, it could signal the start of a blockbuster second act for the most successful partnership in South African football history.