Al Ahli Saudi FC official has disclosed how management convinced top-notch tactician Pitso Mosimane to come on board.
Tayseer Al-Jassem told the media that it took close to a month to convince the former Al Ahly boss to accept the Saudi Arabian second tier team’s offer.
“We spoke with Mosimane three weeks ago and he followed the team well. He asked for three days in order to gather information about the club and learn about its history,” he said.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and his team did their research and concluded that moving to Al Ahli was not a step backwards.
WAKING UP A GIANT
The reports say Mosimane was convinced that Al Ahli, were despite their relegated last season, a giant that was merely sleeping.
“After collecting great information about the club, coach Mosimane learned about the greatness of Al-Ahly club, so he did not hesitate to agree. He agreed and he is very excited to start his work,” Al-Jassem added.
The version of the former Al Ahli skipper Al-Jassem is similar to what Mosimane’s agency MTSports 10 said on Sunday when news about his next job hit headlines.
MTSports said Mosimane ignored advances from many top teams because he 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.
It seems the ex-Bafana Bafana manager found the Jeddah-based club a perfect fit.
Little wonder, he tweeted: “Yes, big team. Let’s awaken the sleeping giant and the people back to fill the stadium. Very big task but exciting too.”
RICH HISTORY
Al Ahli are considered among the biggest four clubs alongside Al-Nassir, Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad who pioneered the formation of the Saudi Arabia Professional League.
The green army were founded in 1937 and have three domestic league titles under their belt unprecedented six Crown King’s Cups.
Mosimane’s new team plays home matches at 62,000-seater King Abdullah Sports City
The South Africa is said to be waiting for the issuance of his visa before he leaves to take over the mantle one-year contract.
He has been tasked with earning Al Ahli, who lie seventh with eight points from five games, promotion.
The former SuperSport United trainer has an option for two more years on the contract.
Mosimane spent two years in Cairo, guiding Al Ahly to two CAF Champions League titles.
He also managed to win two bronze medals at the FIFA Club World Cup and two CAF Super Cup titles.
Mosimane resigned from Al Ahly in June this year.
