Coaching the African Club of the Century is a big honor for me: Mosimane

Our new first team coach Pitso Mosimane had an exclusive interview with us, during which he discussed his big ambitions with the Red Eagles, his dream of coaching Al Ahly and the team’s ability to defeat Wydad Casblanca and reach the final to win the beloved trophy.

First of all what were your motivations behind accepting Al Ahly’s offer?

It is a big opportunity for me to join Al Ahly. It is a big club and it is an honor for me to join the Red Eagles. I have much respect for the team and the badge.

What is your opinion about Al Ahly’s current form?

I do not know much about the team’s current form as I just arrived. But I have a good idea about the team as I have met Al Ahly with Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals and I know Al Ahly from that experience. For sure I will have different opinion when I have an inside view of the team.

Have you been following Al Ahly’s recent games?

I did not follow the club’s recent games as I have been focusing on Mamelodi Sundowns’ games at the South African league and the South African Cup. We were in a safety hub, staying in hotels and playing matches every three days.

What makes Al Ahly players special?

Al Ahly players have good character, good spirit and they have a winning mentality and they fight for winning. But all the big teams in the world have good things and have other things to improve.

What is your opinion about our performance in the league?

Al Ahly have been great in the league and the team was able to win the title in a convincing way, with many points ahead of other teams and, with many games to spare.

Are we able to win the Champions League title?

Al Ahly have a strong team and we are able to win the CAF Champions League title. If you were able to reach the semi-finals, it means that you are able to get to the final and win the title.

Do you think you have enough time to deliver your ideas to the team?

We still have four games in the league, which will give me a good idea about the team but the most important for me is the assistant coaches and the people who have been with the team to focus on the things that took us the semi-finals. There is no time to start over and we have to focus on the semi-final games and complete the competition then we will have time to look inside and see what we need to improve the team.

I rely on the coaching staff, the senior players and everyone in the club to keep the momentum going. I am not here to change anything. We are in the semi-final, let’s go to the final.

How was your farewell with Sundowns players?

Sundowns is a big team but let’s be honest, Sundowns are not Al Ahly in terms of culture, history and profile. Al Ahly was founded more than one hundred years ago, you have to respect that. You look at the stars above the badge and the stars down the eagle, you should respect that. Coaching Al Ahly is a big opportunity for me.

How do you see the chance of coaching outside South Africa?

Football managers are professionals, as Pep Guardiola left Spain and went to Germany then England, where the cultures and the languages are different so I can do this. Football is an international game and you can follow it wherever you are.

Your message to Al Ahly fans?

Pitso Ahlawy.