Mosimane reflects on second Champions League title

Al-Ahly player Hussein El Shahat (L) and head coach Pitso Mosimane (R) celebrate after winning the CAF Champions League

Sunday Nov 29, 2020. 11:00

Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has reflected on his career achievement of winning the CAF Champions League for a second time.

Mosimane’s Ahly defeated Cairo rivals Zamalek 2-1 in the 2019-20 final on Friday night, with the result bringing the Red Devils a record-extending ninth continental crown and a first Champions League trophy since 2013.

It also saw Mosimane become the third coach to win a Champions League title with two different clubs. The others are Argentine Oscar Fullone, who won it with Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas and Raja Casablanca, while Mahmoud El Gohary also claimed it with Al Ahly and Zamalek.

“I came here to win the African trophy but it was a very tough one. As we always say, finals are won not played,” Mosimane is quoted by Ahram Online.

“I have to say Zamalek coach made it very hard for us in the first half because he prevented us from playing our normal game. Shikabala scored an amazing goal. I talked to my players at half time and told them that we need to improve.

“I made some changes in my tactics in the second half and asked the players to press Zamalek players more and more as I saw they were getting tired and losing form. We needed to press their midfield and that’s what gave us the second goal.”

The South African coach added, “I have to thank president Mahmoud El Khatib for giving me, an African coach, the chance to lead one of the greatest clubs in Africa.

“I also want to thank the board, staff and players who gave me a great welcome to accomplish my job. Now we have to focus on the Egypt Cup, African Super Cup and Club World Cup.”