Egypt: 'pressure' at Al Ahly drove Pitso Mosimane out
Pitso Mosimane explains why he left Al Ahly. After a season and a half, the South African coach decided to walk away.
Sport News Africa · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
South African manager Pitso Mosimane has described his time at Al Ahly as a "wonderful story". Yet he walked out on the Egyptian giants against all expectations. The reason? The pressure of the job, which he endured for a season and a half. During his spell in Cairo, Pitso Mosimane won two consecutive Champions League titles, one of them a historic triumph over rivals Zamalek.
The South African also led Al Ahly to two CAF Super Cups, one Egyptian Cup and two bronze medals at the Club World Cup. That meant he had no room for error. Any poor result would raise the ire of the socios.
"I have to say my story with Al Ahly was wonderful and incredible. Bebo (Mahmoud El-Khatib), the club legend, asked me to come to Egypt to coach the team. And I asked him why he wanted me to accept the offer, and he confirmed it was the best in the Middle East," he told Al Arabiya television. "I refused to extend my contract with Al Ahly, even though I was asked to. But because of the heavy workload and the pressure of the job in Egypt, I couldn't," Pitso Mosimane revealed.
"Discrimination and differentiation exist everywhere in the world. And some people can face racial discrimination. African coaches feel discriminated against. But we also believe any coach can come to the Middle East and succeed," Pitso Mosimane pointed out.
After his excellent work at the helm of Al Ahly, Mosimane was appointed coach of Al Ahli Jeddah (Saudi second tier, D2) last September. With that side, he even secured promotion to the Saudi Pro League (D1).
With his stock high, Al Ahly's rivals Zamalek came calling to recruit him. However, Pitso Mosimane turned down the offer.
Jim CEESAY