Pitso Mosimane, Al Ahly’s manager, spoke in the pre-match press conference of Al Ahly’s game against Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
“Of course you come here with the hope to qualify to the semis. Winning 2-0 in the first leg is a slight advantage but it doesn’t mean that we qualify. Sundowns played a good game. It is time to be focused to deliver the team to the semi-finals. There are no excuses. “
“We came here 5 days before the match in order to adapt to the weather. The hotel is good and the training ground is good. The weather is okay.”
“I’m not here to talk about the coaches of Sundowns. I have big respect for Sundowns. I know the history and the culture of the club.”
“What’s important for me now is to focus on my team and to deliver them to the semi-finals. It’s a big responsibility on me and the players to satisfy 70 million. I found 70 million people supporting the club and the responsibility is huge. “
“I took the responsibility for coaching the club when there were 8 stars and I made a small contribution to add the ninth. I want to add the tenth star to the club’s badge.”
“Of course if you come from Egypt, you will understand the pedigree of the president, El Khatib. He wore the club’s jersey. He is one of the most respectable people in Egypt. He is a football legend. He has a lot of success at Al Ahly.”
“For me, it’s a different style of management and a different relationship. He’s easy to talk to and gives me enough room and confidence to work. I know my job and we talk together in the good and bad times.”
“I am a person who likes challenges. I like to go to colder environments. I could’ve stayed at Mamelodi Sundowns. I opted for a two-year contract instead of a 4-year contract. I opted to go to a team that has to win the Egyptian Premier League, Egyptian Cup, and the CAF Champions League. I opted to go to a team who wants to play in the FIFA Club World Cup and win a medal as well.“
“My family told me ‘why you did you take that risk. Why didn’t you coach South Africa?’ I preferred to go to a colder environment, that’s where the eagle stays and that’s the character of the eagles. “
“I don’t want to recite my accomplishments in South Africa, but here at Al Ahly, it’s something else. I’m a small drop in the ocean when it comes to this team.”
