Renowned South African coach Pitso Mosimane and Egyptian soccer giants Al Ahly have agreed to part ways, the club announced on Monday (13 June).
The highly decorated tactician joined Al Ahly in September 2020 after resigning from Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pitso Mosimane parts ways with Al Ahly
“Al Ahly and Pitso Mosimane reached an agreement to part ways. Mahmoud El Khatib, the club’s president, held a meeting with Yassin Mansour, the chairman of Al Ahly football company, Hossam Ghaly, the club’s board member, and the planning committee members, to discuss Mosimane’s future with the club,” Al Ahly said in a statement.
“During the meeting, they all decided that he should continue his mission with Al Ahly as a result of the achievements he managed to accomplish during the previous period.
“However, during the meeting that was previously held, Mosimane requested to leave and [said] that he is satisfied with the achievements he managed to accomplish with the club.
“Later on, Mosimane’s decision was discussed and it was decided to approve his request to part ways with the club and to thank him for the achievements that he accomplished with the club.”
Successful record
The statement makes it clear that the decision to part ways was mutually agreed and was at Mosimane’s request. The club had offered him a two-year contract extension in March this year.
He leaves the club with a successful record, having won the CAF Champions League twice, the Egypt Cup and the CAF Super Cup.
However, he failed to win the Champions League for a third time last month after Al Ahly lost 2-0 in the final against Wydad AC.
Reacting on Twitter, Mosimane thanked Al Ahly for the “opportunity and history,” adding, “You gave me love, chanted my name and gave me the utmost respect.” He also issued a statement through MT Sports Marketing Management, but did not immediately indicate what his next step would be.
His coaching career in South Africa prior to moving to Egypt was highly successful. He won the DStv Premier Soccer League (PSL) title five times.
He also won 11 trophies in his eight years at Masandawana, including the CAF African Champions League title in 2016.