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The former Masandawana tactician reflects on the journey that led to his first coaching job outside of South Africa.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says that walking to the Al Ahly bench “was not a free step”, and praises Downs for raising his profile, leading to recognition in North Africa.
After joining Al Ahly in September, Mosimane allegedly despised Wydad Casablanca, who was apparently interested in him.
Just a month after arriving in Cairo, former Bafana Bafana coach won the Egyptian Premier League title, before claiming the Caf Champions League after beating traditional Zamalek last Friday.
He went to Al Ahly after helping the Sundowns win 11 trophies in eight years and made them one of the most feared teams on the African continent.
“We call them Masandawana. We have a lot of history together, eight years, a lot of trophies together, a lot of songs, banners and flags ”, Mosimane told Caf. media.
“Those are very special. They really gave me a chance and I’m here because of them. If it wasn’t for Mamelodi Sundowns, I wouldn’t be here. So I am grateful to the fans, I am grateful to the team and the club president Mamelodi Sundowns. “
Mosimane earned continental recognition when he guided Sundowns to the 2016 Caf Champions League title after beating Zamalek in the final to claim the Brazilians’ first continental prize.
Sundowns had beaten Zamalek 2-1 in the group stage that season before the two teams met again in the final.
Also beating Al Ahly 5-0 in a Champions League quarter-final match at home in the 2018/19 season made Mosimane a revered figure in North Africa.
Victories on the road in North Africa over teams like USM Alger, ES Setif, or a draw against Wydad Casablanca and Esperance made Mosimane a feared tactician on the continent.
“They gave me the opportunity to be here but I worked hard for it, I earned it. It was not a free step, ”Mosimane said.
“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t beat Zamalek in a Cup final. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t beat Al Ahly 5-0, so I’ve done my job to be here too. I am honored, happy to be Al Ahly’s coach. It’s a special club, a great club. “
Expectations have risen in Mosimane to help Al Ahly retain the Champions League title.
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