Mosimane welcomed back by Al Ahly as unbeaten Bafana Bafana prepare for Egypt friendly

Pitso Mosimane has received a warm welcome from former club Al Ahly after guiding Bafana Bafana to a perfect start in their Afcon qualifying campaign.

South Africa strengthened their position at the top of Group D with a 5-0 victory over Eritrea at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium on Wednesday. The result gave them six points and a plus-six goal difference, following their 2-1 win against Guinea in their opening qualifier at home.

Mosimane will remain in the Egyptian capital as Bafana Bafana prepare to face Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.

Before that match, the South Africa coach and members of his technical staff visited Al Ahly at the club’s invitation. Head analyst Musi Matlaba, fitness and conditioning coach Kabelo Rangoaga and goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo accompanied him.

The group received a warm welcome from Al Ahly staff from the moment they arrived until their departure. Mosimane was seen embracing every member of staff he encountered as he revisited the club where he enjoyed the most successful period of his coaching career.

Mosimane is one of the few managers to have successfully managed the pressure of leading Africa’s biggest club. During less than two years in charge, he won six trophies, including consecutive CAF Champions League titles.

Although he left Al Ahly four years ago, Mosimane retains a strong connection with the club’s supporters. Some fans had previously used social media to call for his return and ask him to help when results declined, before he took charge of Bafana Bafana again.

Egyptian supporters are expected to attend Sunday’s encounter in large numbers. Their presence is also likely to pay tribute to Mosimane, who raised the profile of Al Ahly and Egyptian football around the world during his time at the club.

He guided Al Ahly to two Fifa Club World Cup bronze medals, further strengthening his standing among the club’s supporters.

However, Mosimane will be keen to ensure the occasion does not lead to complacency. He is expected to call on his fringe players, who are likely to feature against the Pharaohs, to demonstrate their ability and help Bafana Bafana secure a positive result.

The match will give those players an opportunity to continue showing why Egypt has become a second home for Mosimane.