Pitso Mosimane urges Al Ahly and Zamalek fans to back Bafana Bafana

New Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has appealed to supporters of Al Ahly and Zamalek to support South Africa when they face Eritrea in their next 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.

Mosimane is returning to a country where he remains a highly respected figure after leading Al Ahly to two CAF Champions League titles during a successful spell between 2020 and 2022. His time at the club also brought several other major honours.

The South African coach believes Bafana Bafana’s history in Egypt, along with his own close links to the country’s football community, can help create a united atmosphere for the match.

“The Egyptian nation has very good knowledge of Bafana Bafana, the history, the national team has good history in Egypt, they know the players, they saw them in the World Cup, we are saying to the Egyptians, we are brothers,” Mosimane told SAFA media.

South Africa could find themselves competing against Egyptian clubs and their supporters again on the continental stage in the future. However, Mosimane said the focus during this visit should be on the relationship between the two football nations.

“We might be fighting again in a few days to come, but now that we are here, we have a very good history, even the coach Rulani Mokwena is here, I was here. We have a very good foundation with the Egypt Federation,” he added.

Mosimane then made a specific request to supporters of his former club, known as the Red Devils, asking them to attend the game and get behind Bafana Bafana in their meeting with Eritrea.

“So we hope the Egyptian supporters come to our match, and support us. I’m talking to the Red Devils, they must come to the match and support us and support me against Eritrea,” he said.

“Alahwy, I’m asking you to come and support.”

The coach also called on Zamalek supporters to offer their backing, highlighting what he considers to be the connection between both Cairo fanbases and South African football.

“Obviously, Zamalekians, they are good, they will come and support us, we need everyone to support us – they know us, we are brothers,” Mosimane concluded.