Pitso Mosimane has labelled reports that Al Ahly are interested in Mamelodi Sundowns’ in-form forward Peter Shalulile as “fake news”.
The South African coach addressed the rumours after his side’s 2-0 victory over his former club on Saturday.
‘Jingles’ rubbished reports linking his Egyptian side with Shalulile and revealed they were only ever interested in Gaston Sirino.
“I don’t want to say too much about Sundowns players because once I talk about Sundowns players, everybody says I want Sundowns players,” he told media representatives.
“There’s a report that I want [Peter] Shalulile. It’s false reports. They only player Al Ahly made formal contact with Mamelodi Sundowns with is [Gaston] Sirino.
“The rest is people making stories and talking a lot. There have been a lot of stories this week and I’ve kept quiet. We focused here, because I knew I had a big game.”
Mosimane also revealed that he did have sleepless nights ahead of the reunion with his former side, before pointing out that their tie is not over despite his side’s two-goal advantage.
“There was also a report that Mamelodi Sundowns doesn’t need to have sleepless nights about Al Ahly,” he added.
“But, yes, I had sleepless nights about Sundowns, because I’ve worn the jersey of Mamelodi Sundowns. I’ve given my life, my heart and soul to Mamelodi Sundowns.
“That’s why I spent sleepless nights. They said they didn’t have sleepless nights about Al Ahly. I definitely had a sleepless night, I wanted seven games of Mamelodi Sundowns and just keep quiet and kept the focus.
“But this thing is not finished because Mamelodi Sundowns can still turn it around against us.
“Big respect for the players of Sundowns. Big respect to the supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Mosimane and Al Ahly will face Masandawana in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 15:00 SA time.
