Mosimane set for emotional reunion as Sundowns face Al Ahli

Pitso Mosimane will watch two of the clubs most closely associated with his career meet when Mamelodi Sundowns host Al Ahli in the FIFA Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup final in Pretoria on Saturday at 3pm.

The winner will claim the trophy and progress to the Challenger Cup. Victory there would earn a place in the Intercontinental final against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

The match brings together the current champions of Africa and Asia, with Sundowns holding the CAF Champions League title and Al Ahli representing the AFC Champions League. The Saudi Arabian side reached the final after beating Oceania champions Auckland City.

For Mosimane, the fixture at Loftus Versfeld is a meeting between two clubs whose development and success were shaped significantly during his time in charge.

His most successful spell came with Sundowns, where he won five league titles and guided the club to its first continental crown. He remains equally well regarded at Al Ahli after leading them back to the Saudi Pro League in May 2023, following his time with African giants Al Ahly.

The encounter comes soon after Mosimane’s appointment as Bafana Bafana coach. He was speaking after naming his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea on September 26 and Eritrea on September 30, as well as an international friendly against Egypt on October 4.

“It will be very emotional for me,” said Mosimane.

“I won trophies on that side, and this side. The names and the level are up there. The other ones won the Champions League for the second time in a row now. And this one has just won it.”

“I am happy that I have contributed somewhere a little bit. It’s humbling to see the two teams. They both won the Champions League.”

Although Mosimane retains a strong attachment to both sides, he believes Sundowns will have the advantage in the final.

He pointed to their strong domestic form, their place in the MTN8 final and the continuity within a squad that has retained its core from last season’s continental success.

Al Ahli, by contrast, are going through a period of change after losing several high-profile players. Mosimane also highlighted their injury problems and said the team lacks stability.

“Al Ahli is not at a good level at the moment. Riyad Mahrez left. Roberto Firmino left. They don’t have a stable team, though they still have England international Ivan Toney,” he said.

“They are not in a good space in terms of injuries. I think Sundowns have an advantage. The Yellows have an advantage over the Greens, but football is football. It will be good to see the boys again, and the management. Good history, right?”