Pitso Mosimane to make special return to Al Ahly after Bafana’s win over Eritrea

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane is set to make a special return to former club Al Ahly on Thursday following South Africa’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Mosimane will visit the Egyptian giants in Cairo before returning to Johannesburg with the South African national team.

The visit will mark an emotional reunion for the 61-year-old coach, who enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his managerial career during his time at Al Ahly.

Mosimane was appointed Al Ahly head coach in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most successful foreign coaches.

During his spell in charge, he guided the Egyptian giants to six major trophies, including consecutive CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021.

His first Champions League triumph came in his maiden season when Al Ahly defeated rivals Zamalek 2-1 in the 2020 final.

The following year, Mosimane’s side successfully defended the continental crown by beating South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the final.

He also led Al Ahly to two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals, with the club finishing third in both 2020 and 2021.

Those achievements cemented Mosimane’s reputation as one of Africa’s most successful coaches and made his return to Cairo a significant moment.

Mosimane returns after Eritrea victory

The former Al Ahly coach is making the visit after leading South Africa to a commanding 5-0 win over Eritrea in their second Group C match of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Bafana produced a dominant performance in Cairo to claim another important victory and strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign.

The match was played in Egypt because of Eritrea’s decision to host their home fixtures in Cairo.

With the match now completed, Mosimane has taken the opportunity to reconnect with the club where he enjoyed considerable success.

His visit is expected to attract significant attention from Al Ahly supporters, many of whom still remember his achievements during his time at the club.

Mosimane’s relationship with Al Ahly remains an important part of his coaching legacy, having delivered continental and international success during his tenure.

The visit also provides an opportunity for the South African coach to meet former colleagues and members of the club’s current administration before travelling back to South Africa with Bafana Bafana.

For Mosimane, it will be a return to a familiar environment and a reminder of a period in which he helped Al Ahly establish themselves as one of the dominant forces in African club football.