Head coach of Abha Saudi club, Pitso Mosimane has stood up to defend himself against scepticism about his coaching prowess.
The South African tactician has won the CAF Champions League three times; in 2016 he scooped it with Mamelodi Sundowns and then in 2020 and 2021 he won it with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
In 2016 he was awarded the African Coach of the Year during the African Footballer of the Year Awards in Abuja, on January 5, 2017.
Recently, Mosimane was appointed as Abha's new manager, marking his fourth coaching stint in the Middle East, having coached Al Ahly, Al Ahli Jeddah, and UAE’s Al Wahda.
Mosimane began his journey in the Saudi Pro League with Abha against Al Taawoun on Thursday, 16th February in which both side's shared the spoils (1-1).
However, he hopes to steer the club away from the relegation zone as they lurk on the 17th position of the 18-teams-league log with 15 points.
Speaking to Saudi channel “SSC,” Mosimane said: “I’m familiar with Saudi football through my experience with a big team like Al Ahli.
“I played matches at the highest level in the FIFA Club World Cup with Al Ahly. We achieved a significant 4-0 victory over Al Hilal.
“We have also played big matches in the Club World Cup against prestigious clubs like Bayern Munich and Palmeiras. I believe my coaching career and achievements speak for my capabilities.”
Mosimane went on to thank President of Al Ahly Mahmoud El-Khatib for allowing him to coach the team and change the mindset regarding African coaches.
“I have become accustomed to overcoming barriers and doing things that are not typical of African coaches.
“When Al Ahly wanted to win the Champions League, they chose an African coach, and I thank Al Ahly and its president, El-Khatib, for trusting in my ability to make a difference.
“A coach should not be judged by their nationality but by their achievements. I have faced coaches from Europe and South America and achieved victories over them.
“There is no difference between an African coach and a Latin one. It depends on competence, perseverance, and effort.
“Egypt is the most successful team in the Africa Cup of Nations, achieving that with my friend Hassan Shehata. We have seen many European coaches fail with Egypt. The success came with an Egyptian coach, Hassan Shehata,” he concluded.
By: Pascal Amoah
