Saudi Arabia-based coach Pitso Mosimane has shared his reflections on his tenure at Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, saying he “paid them back”.
Mosimane spent a season with Ahli, guiding them back to the Saudi Arabia top flight. After promoting them, the club parted ways with him and went on to sign a galaxy of stars.
Ahli have in their ranks the likes of former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, ex-Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy, formerly with Chelsea. The club also recruited Franck Kessie, a former Barcelona midfielder.
It also emerged that the club had not been shelling out his dues. However, FIFA ruled that Al Ahli Saudi had to pay him a staggering R22,2 million.
On Saturday, Mosimane faced his former paymasters as he sought to move his Abha Club away from the relegation zone. However, Ahli trounced the Abha 5-1, with Mahrez turning in a five-star performance.
WHAT PITSO MOSIMANE SAID ABOUT REPAYING AL AHLI’S FAITH
Mosimane expressed pride in his contributions to the club, emphasising the legacy he built there. Witnessing Al Ahli’s resurgence with star players like Firmino and Mahrez, Mosimane acknowledged his role in their journey. He stressed the significance of leaving a legacy, adding that “history is what you cannot remove.”
While Mosimane confirmed receiving partial payment from Al Ahli, he downplayed the financial aspect. He emphasised his gratitude for the opportunity to coach in Saudi Arabia, crediting Al Ahli for opening that door.
“My time with Al Ahli, you know the history, I’m proud,” he told journalists. “When I see the team full like this Firmino, Mahrez – I’m proud of the little bit of my contribution. Just a little bit, I can.
“I’m happy when I see them singing because I know when I was here, I know where it was. I know where I left it. That’s my small contribution. They are a big team; they gave me a chance to come to Saudi, and I paid them back for giving me the chance.
“I would not be in Abha if Al Ahli did not bring me. I have nothing against Al Ahli. Good luck to them. I want to see them winning….”
PITSO MOSIMANE’S RESPONSE WHEN ASKED IF AL AHLI PAID HIM HIS DUES
Mosimane’s focus on legacy and gratitude highlights a broader perspective on success beyond monetary gains. His comments resonate with the idea that contributions to a team and its culture can have a lasting impact, transcending financial disputes.
“Listen, my friend, maybe to you, money is more important than history. For me, the legacy and history is what you cannot remove.
“Al Ahli are back in the Roshin League. With money or no money, it doesn’t make a difference. We continue living life.”
He added that Ahli had “paid some of the money”. “Ahli paid me some of the money, and I’ve no problem. Do you know why? Because they gave me the chance to be in Saudi [Arabia] I would not be here if Al Ahli did not give me the chance. That is more important.”
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