Egyptian defender Ahmed Abdelaziz has revealed that some Al Ahly players used to undermine Pitso Mosimane because they regarded him as a ‘mediocre’ coach.
Egyptian website Kingfut.com has quoted the Pharco FC defender as having told Al Hayat TV that the Al Ahly players suggested that the South African won by sheer luck during his 21-month stay with the Reds.
Abdelaziz said he supported the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor’s decision to leave Al Ahly in June soon after the 2-0 loss to Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Champions League final.
“Some Al Ahly players told me Pitso Mosimane is a mediocre coach and only wins by luck. I support his decision to leave the club,” he said.
The Pharco centre-back spoke on a wide range of issues revolving around the struggles of Al Ahly even after the appointment of Ricardo Soares to replace Mosimane.
He said it was not surprising that Al Ahly struggled to perform even after the hiring of the Portuguese, adding that Al Ahly rivals Zamalek deserved to win the Egyptian Premier League.
“Zamalek deserved to win the league title. Jesualdo Jesualdo is also a great coach and has a good team,” Abdelaziz said.
Al Ahly finished in third place in the Premier League log table, their worst performance in the league since 1992.
The management of the Club of the Century sacked Soares last week after barely two months on the job after having managed just nine wins in 17 games across all competitions.
Reports have continued to link Mosimane with a return to Al Ahly, but he recently said he achieved his mission which he was hired for at the club and that he had moved on. The former SuperSport United coach is on a sabbatical.
Al Ahly president Mahmoud El-Khatib told the media recently that there was a media campaign against Mosimane despite his apparent success while in charge of the club.
The former Bafana Bafana trainer delivered the goods at Al Ahly, winning two CAF Champions League titles in three attempts and grabbing the FIFA Club World Cup bronze medal twice and domestic silverware.
Despite his obvious success, Mosimane became the target of criticism from some Al Ahly legends and some fans.
Some of the supporters have since apologised to the South African coach for being harsh on Mosimane.
