Pitso Mosimane has finally addressed his future at Al Ahly after being linked with an exit due to the stalling of contractual negotiations.
This publication confirmed last week that Mosiame and his camp had made inroads over a contract extension which was given further credence from Al Ahly Director Sayed Abdelhafiz – stating the deal is 90% done.
While the three-time CAF Champions League winner was said to have angered the club’s hierarchy with his public statements about the negotiations, it appears the relationship has been smoothened out due to his latest statement.
Speaking to MBC Egypt, Mosimane hailed the club’s president Mohamed ‘Bibo’ El-Khatib for his role in luring him away from Mamelodi Sundowns and confirmed he will ‘stay’ at the Egyptian giants.
“Mahmoud El-Khatib [Al-Ahly’s president] did something unexpected after many European coaches in Al Ahly went to a coach in South Africa,” he said.
“He told me that you could change the history of Al Ahly. Not many people knew me, they know me from playing against Ahly and Zamalek [with Sundowns].
“But I don’t come with the big European CV, but they knew I won the CAF Super Cup, Champions League and gone to the Club World Cup.
“He took a very big risk on me, he rewarded me and gave me a big opportunity and that’s why I’m still here. I know there were talks, but I’m here and I will be here and I will stay here.
“So I’m humbled to be able to coach a big team. I want to leave small footprints after the big footprints that Manuel Jose left at the club.”
Ahly are set to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup with their campaign set to begin on Saturday against Mexican giants C.F. Monterrey.
