Renowned South African coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted that he was left ‘surprised’ after his Al-Ahli players decided not to celebrate their First Division title.
Ahli were crowned champions of the Saudi second tier with one game to spare last week.
They were officially handed their trophy after a goalless draw with Al-Hazem in the final match on Monday.
However, the Ahli players refused to celebrate with the trophy during the presentation after the match, walking off the pitch instead.
Al-AHLI PLAYERS REFUSE TO CELEBRATE SAUDI FIRST DIVISION TITLE
The incident left Mosimane surprised and he later admitted to Saudi Sports Channels that he he was baffled as to why his players walked off.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, though, remained behind with his technical team to take pictures with the trophy, in customary Mosimane style.
“I do not know what happened,” Mosimane said after the match, as per Yallakora. I won 19 championships and celebrated all the championships that I crowned.
And I was surprised that the players did not celebrate the championship, but ask the administration.
“I control things inside the field. But what is outside the field is out of my control. I accomplished my mission for which I came. Which is to win the league and advance to the Pro League,” added the ex-Bafana Bafana coach.
Mosimane performed wonders with Ahli this season, taking them from seventh spot in the standing to the summit.
Regardless, his future at the club remains doubtful. There are reports in Saudi Arabia indicating the club could part with Mosimane and seek a new coach to lead them in the top-flight.
Mosimane also addressed his contract situation. He stated that it has an automatic renewal clause provided he guides the team to the land of milk and honey.
PITSO MOSIMANE ON HIS FUTURE
“I have a clause in my contract stipulating the extension of the contract when the team ascends. So why should I change the matter,” added Mosimane.
Nevertheless, the Kagiso-born tactician will have no shortage of suitors should he decide to leave Ahli. Plenty of clubs reportedly interested in his services.
RELATED STORY: Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli finish season with draw
