Razeen Gutta
After winning five trophies with the Egyptian giants, the decorated South African coach Pitso Mosimane reached an agreement with the side on Monday to leave with his coaching staff.
Al Ahly have made it clear that Mosimane asked to leave the club after the disappointment of their Caf Champions League final defeat to Wydad Athletic Club.
His stint in Egypt was a highly successful one, helping the Red Devils to two Champions League titles after seven years without reaching the pinnacle of continental football.
Al Ahly’s journey with Mosimane begun in October 2020 with the ultimate goal being the Champions League. The 57-year-old achieved that goal in back-to-back seasons and also helped bring the Egypt Cup back to Cairo.
His stint at the club also included two third place finishes at the Fifa Club World Cup and two Caf Super Cup titles.
However, there was a sudden surge of criticism for the former Bafana Bafana coach — and despite recently signing a new two year deal, his time at the club came abrupt end.
“During the meeting that was previously held, Mosimane requested to leave and said that he was satisfied with the achievements he managed to accomplish with the club,” Al Ahly said in a statement on social media.
“Mosimane’s decision was discussed and it was decided to approve his request to part ways with the club and to thank him for his achievements that he accomplished with the club.”
Mosimane has also penned a three page open letter to Al Ahly fans where he says that coaching the side has been “a dream come true.”
“To the red nation, the 70 million Al Ahly fans that have stood by me throughout this journey, you have truly inspired me,” he said.
“The warmth and love we were welcomed with made us feel already at home. Although we felt pressure as we were joining the Club of the Century, we knew that we were sent to Cairo for a reason. That reason was to deliver.”
Mosimane also confirmed the departures of some his coaching staff; with fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga and performance analysts Musi Matlaba and Kyle Solomon set to join him in whatever the future may hold.
