A former Bafana Bafana international has described an unusual example of Pitso Mosimane’s approach to player discipline, saying the coach once fined a footballer for eating amagwinya. The account offers a glimpse into the strict standards Mosimane reportedly expected from players under his management.

The story was shared during an episode of Locker Room Secrets, in an interview with KickOff. The former international recalled that Mosimane paid close attention to nutrition and physical conditioning, treating players’ eating habits as part of their professional responsibilities.

Amagwinya, a popular South African fried dough snack, was at the centre of the reported incident. According to the account, a player was caught eating the food and was subsequently punished financially. The player’s name and the amount of the alleged fine were not revealed, and no further details about when the incident occurred were provided.

The anecdote has drawn attention because it concerns a food enjoyed by many South Africans. Within an elite football environment, however, coaches often set demanding expectations around diet, fitness and preparation. Mosimane’s reported response suggests he regarded those standards as important enough to enforce through disciplinary measures.

Mosimane has built a reputation as one of the continent’s most accomplished coaches. His career includes successful spells at Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, where he led teams to domestic and continental honours.

At Sundowns, he guided the Pretoria club to the CAF Champions League title in 2016, alongside other domestic successes. He later won the same continental competition with Al Ahly in 2020 and 2021, strengthening his standing in African football.

His coaching methods have often been associated with demanding training, tactical structure and high expectations of professionalism. The amagwinya story adds a detail to that picture, illustrating how discipline could extend beyond training sessions and match preparation.

The revelation does not establish whether the player’s punishment was part of a wider team policy or an isolated decision. Nevertheless, it has renewed discussion about the balance between strict coaching and players’ personal choices. For Mosimane, the incident reflects the importance he placed on maintaining fitness and professional habits away from the pitch.

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