The legendary Mohamed Aboutrika has disagreed with Wael Gomaa on Pitso Mosimane’s reign at their former club Al Ahly.
Gomaa is on record as saying Mosimane was “lucky to coach Al Ahly”. “Mosimane’s management of the game was poor. Al Ahly should have attacked more, they have higher quality players than Raja,” Gomaa said.
This was after Ahly had beaten Raja Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate to book a place in the semi-final of the 2022 CAF Champions League.
However, his former teammate, Aboutrika, has a different view about the South African mentor.
He has described him as one of the best managers in Egyptian football history.
Mosimane was in charge for 18 months, winning the Champions League twice successively. He reached the final in his third campaign.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor also guided the Red Devils to two CAF Super Cups, one Egypt Cup, and two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals.
He is currently in charge of Al Ahli Saudi, whom he has led to promotion to the Saudi Arabia topflight.
Ahli had been relegated last season, and management gave him the mandate to restore their elite league status.
“The culture of the fans of big clubs always demands more championships,” he told beIN Sports.
“We [Egypt’s Al Ahly] won the Super Cup yesterday, and the fans are already demanding to win the CAF Champions League and then the Premier League titles. Second place is considered a failure by the club.
ABOUTRIKA ON PITSO MOSIMANE
“Pitso Mosimane is one of the greatest coaches in the history of Al Ahly due to winning titles during the period in which he was present, and the numbers prove that.
“In the big matches, we used to be relaxed as Al Ahly fans because we knew what he is capable of doing.”
When reminded that his words were contrary to Gomaa’s, he said Mosimane’s numbers were testimony of his impact.
“I respect Gomaa’s opinion, but Mosimane’s numbers and results with Al Ahly were great.
“He is one of the best coaches in the history of Egyptian football and Al Ahly, coming after Nándor Hidegkuti and Manuel Jose,” he added.
RELATED STORY: Former Al Ahly player Gomaa latest to advance Mosimane ‘luck’ theory
