Ex-Sundowns analyst Mario Masha joins Pitso Mosimane project

The Pitso Mosimane Youth Football (PMYF) project has secured a major coup following the appointment of highly-regarded former Mamelodi Sundowns performance analyst Mario Masha.

Masha, a UEFA A License holder, arrives at the ambitious East Rand-based setup following a high-profile and controversial exit from South African giants Sundowns.

The veteran analyst was suspended by the “Brazilians” in February amid sensational allegations that tactical secrets had been leaked to former Sundowns boss Rulani Mokwena. At the time, Mokwena was managing Algerian outfit MC Alger ahead of a vital CAF Champions League fixture.

While Mokwena strenuously denied the claims—insisting their correspondence was strictly related to Masha’s coaching studies—Masha’s tenure at Sundowns has now officially concluded ahead of his summer contract expiry.

Mario Masha joins Pitso Mosimane after controversial Mamelodi Sundowns exit

The move reunites Masha with legendary coach Pitso Mosimane. The pair famously tasted continental glory together, lifting the CAF Champions League trophy in 2016.

Since then, Masha has established himself as one of the continent’s premier technical minds, contributing to multiple league titles under managers including Manqoba Mngqithi and Miguel Cardoso.

Mosimane, a three-time Champions League winner, confirmed the arrival but remained tight-lipped on the circumstances of Masha’s Sundowns departure.

‘It’s Not About the Money’

“You know the history of Mario Masha, so I don’t want to go there,” Mosimane told reporters. “Mario gave me a call and said, ‘Coach, why am I sitting at home when I belong to football?’

“I told him we don’t run a Bill Gates foundation here, and we don’t have the money to sustain him, but he said, ‘Coach, it’s not about the money.’”

Mosimane admitted that the arrangement is likely temporary, acknowledging that Masha’s pedigree will inevitably attract professional offers from top-flight clubs.

“I said when the big teams come, please go,” Mosimane added. “But for now, he is here to help us raise the bar. He is implementing the same elite match analysis we see in the Premier League for our young boys.”

Elite Preparation for the Next Generation

Masha’s immediate focus will be on integrating professional-grade analysis for the Under-14 through Under-19 squads.

The PMYF project is currently in a phase of rapid expansion after acquiring the status of East Rand Athletic FC. The club is set to host talent trials over the next two weekends at Veritas College in Springs as they look to bolster their Gauteng Development League (GDL) squads.

Under Masha’s guidance, the hopeful youngsters will receive a level of tactical preparation usually reserved for the professional ranks—a significant statement of intent for Mosimane’s growing football empire.