Mosimane speaks out on Al Ahli job…can’t wait to awaken sleeping giant
Coach Pitso Mosimane has for the first time spoken about his new job at Al Ahli Saudi FC.
The former Al Ahly manager said he cannot wait to awaken the sleeping Saudi Arabian football giant, Al Ahli.
“I am very excited for this opportunity and I can’t wait to meet my new team at Al Ahli,” he said.
“Shukran to the chairman, board, players, & supporters for trusting us with this mission. We will do our best, recreate history and make the green nation happy.
Mosimane added: “Yes, big team. Let’s awaken the sleeping giant and the people back to fill the stadium. Very big task but exciting too.”
FANS’ MIXED REACTIONS
Some football fans in Saudi Arabia have since started giving mixed reactions to the appointment of the South African.
A supporter calling himself Enrico did not have encouraging words for the former SuperSport United gaffer.
Enrico said Mosimane would find it difficult coaching the second-tier club in Saudi Arabia.
“Looks like they told you about the wrong team! I was entrusted with the task of a club that does not have many achievements,” said Enrico.
“It is a well-known club because it is next to Al-Ittihad, the largest Saudi club! You will fail and they will fire you early.”
However, not all followers in Saudi Arabia are as pessimistic as Enrico.
“Welcome to the Kings Club. The fans of Al-Ahly club are thirsty for football and are waiting to achieve championships with you,” Izo50 said.
Al Ahli followed Kulani said Mosimane is bound to succeed in Saudi Arabia owing to his character.
“Coach, I love your way of adapting to situations and have no doubt that you will succeed,” he said.
“The respect that you show to people of a particular land & the Muslim community at large is the reason people and the players of those region respects you. That will translate to your success.”
SHOCK MOVE
Al Ahli announced the appointment of Mosimane on Sunday in what turned out to be a shock move.
Most football followers had hoped to see the former Bafana Bafana boss joining a giant side considering that he had plenty of offers in his in-tray.
Mosimane’s management firm released a statement later on Sunday to explain why the coach snubbed top clubs and national teams’ offers to join Al Ahli Saudi FC.
MTSports 10 said Mosimane was looking for a right football project that resonates with his motto of Changing the game for good.
The agency says Mosimane is not just about coaching but he is a football strategist who has always impacted teams he has worked for.