Former Al Ahly Official Claims Pitso Mosimane Was Unworthy of the Job: 'I Was Not Convinced'

Mohsen Saleh, a former member of Al Ahly's planning committee, has made surprising claims regarding the appointment and tenure of celebrated coach Pitso Mosimane.

Pitso Mosimane took the helm at the Egyptian giants in October 2020, leading the club to a highly successful period that included six major trophies.

His haul featured two CAF Champions League titles and the 2019/20 Egyptian Premier League crown before his departure at the end of the 2021/22 season.

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However, Saleh, who was part of the club's leadership during Mosimane's time, has now revealed his initial opposition to the South African's hiring.

"I was not convinced that a coach from Africa, whether from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, or Sudan, should manage Al Ahly," Saleh stated, as reported by Btolat. "Al Ahly is bigger than all the coaches working in this region."

Saleh maintained his stance, adding, "I remain firm in my opinion that Mosimane did not deserve to coach Al Ahly. He travelled for a holiday, then went to Morocco for a coaching course, and then returned to South Africa, while the team was preparing for a match."

This particular incident reportedly strained the relationship between the coach and the club, ultimately leading to their separation.

"We asked him to return to Egypt for the matches, but he told us he was ill," Saleh explained. "He sensed that we were going to decide to dismiss him, and his response was quick: we can terminate the contract amicably, no problem."

Meanwhile, former Al Ahly striker Hossam Hassan previously launched a sharp critique of Pitso Mosimane's tenure at the club, asserting that current manager Marcel Koller is a far better fit despite the South African's trophy-laden spell.

Speaking on the "El Hekaya" program, Hassan did not mince words when comparing the two coaches, stating that Koller's impact has been superior regardless of future results.

"I expect Al Ahly to win the African Champions League," Hassan declared. "But even if they don't, Koller is a better coach for Al Ahly than Mosimane was."

While acknowledging Mosimane's success, which included back-to-back CAF Champions League titles, Hassan was highly critical of the team's playing style under his leadership.

"Pitso Mosimane won the African Champions League, but during his time, we witnessed the worst football Al Ahly has played in its history," he explained.

Hassan's views are shared by another club legend, Walid Salah El-Din, who also questioned Mosimane's methods despite the impressive results.

"Mosimane delivered results, and no one can deny that, but he was never the best coach for Al Ahly," Salah El-Din said in a separate interview. "Yes, he lifted two CAF Champions League titles, but we witnessed the worst football under his leadership."

Despite the criticism, Pitso Mosimane remains one of Africa's most accomplished coaches. He first made his name at SuperSport United before leading Mamelodi Sundowns to five league titles and a historic CAF Champions League victory in 2016.

His move to Al Ahly in 2020 yielded immediate success, securing two Champions League crowns, two CAF Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals. After leaving the Egyptian giants in June 2022, he has managed clubs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.