Irvin Khoza praises Pitso Mosimane's success and work ethic

Khoza was speaking at the handing over of the first Pitso Mosimane Multipurpose Sports Court to Lofentse Girls High School in Orlando East in Soweto on Tuesday after the school was chosen as a beneficiary by Pirates as part of winning last season’s Nedbank Cup.

In his speech during the function, Khoza reminded school kids and the community about Mosimane’s inspirational journey.

"There are a few things that are on the pipeline to develop some of the areas that need development. That's why in my comment about Pitso I have to comment to make the kids understand that you don't get things without hard work. You must earn them and Pitso in his eyes, in his veins had always shown determination," Khoza said.

"How do you expect a guy from South Africa, playing a game in Sudan, going to a taxi to Algeria, in a taxi he doesn't speak the language and he's not sure what's gonna happen with him. His success today is because of his commitment and work ethic. 

It is important for people like Pitso to be put on a pedestal, to motivate all the kids that think things are easy. Kids today are on Instagram and Facebook but there's more effort required more than Instagram and Facebook. Especially now that we are competing globally."

Khoza also reiterated a statement he once made about Mosimane that he would one day conquer the continent, and says the former Bafana Bafana mentor’s giving back to the community should encourage many to follow suit.

"Pitso had no boundaries. He never undermined himself. In fact in the awards, you were there when I said 'Watch this boy, he's gonna surprise Africa' long before it happened. Today it's important for me to repeat it in front of the school children.

To say he did not get this thing by mistake, by contacts, he worked very hard. So, work ethic is very important that is why people like Mandela [Nelson], Desmond Tutu, they gave themselves for the good of people. So, what is required of us is to die a little for those that are disadvantaged."

Lofentse Girls High School, situated just next to Orlando Stadium, were the recipients of a Multipurpose Sports Court, where football, netball, volleyball, Basketball, and other sporting codes would be played.