Pitso Mosimane: I could have achieved more with Ashour and Zizo

Former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane says he could have achieved even greater success at the Egyptian giants had he been able to work with current Egypt internationals Emam Ashour and Zizo.

Mosimane, who guided Al Ahly to a series of major trophies during his spell in charge, praised the quality available to the Egyptian national team, highlighting Ashour and Zizo among the players he would have liked to have coached.

“You have a great team in the Egyptian national team. You have Emam Ashour and Zizo, and I don’t have these players,” Mosimane, who now serves as Bafana Bafana head coach said after their 1-0 win over Egypt in a friendly game on Sunday.

The South African also drew comparisons between the qualities of his national team and those of Al Ahly.

“South Africa have young players. We are young in name, but we have a big heart and we play with strength like Al Ahly,” he added.

Mosimane said having players of Ashour and Zizo’s quality during his time at Al Ahly could have helped him achieve even more.

“Look at Al Ahly. I didn’t have these players. Imagine if I had Emam Ashour and Zizo then, it would have been possible for me to achieve greater things,” he said.

Despite his departure from the club, Mosimane made it clear that he retains a strong affection for Al Ahly.

“I love Al Ahly. I met Mr. Abdel Hafiz, and Captain Mahmoud El-Khatib wrote me a message. I’m very happy with that,” he said.

Mosimane’s spell at Al Ahly remains one of the most successful periods of his coaching career, with the South African establishing a strong connection with the club and its supporters during his tenure.