Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has made a memorable return to Egypt, maintaining their perfect start in the Afcon qualifiers while receiving a warm reception at his former club, Al Ahly. Mosimane and some of his technical team visited Al Ahly on invitation, where they were warmly welcomed by the staff. Mosimane, who won six trophies in under two years at Al Ahly, including back-to-back CAF Champions League titles, still holds a strong bond with the supporters.
Bafana Bafana hammered Eritrea 5-0 in their second Group D qualifier at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, ensuring they remained top of the group with six points and a plus-six goal difference after beating Guinea 2-1 in their opener at home. The team will face Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday. Mosimane will guard against complacency, urging his fringe players to showcase their talent and secure a positive result.
Mosimane was spotted embracing every staff member he met, clearly reminiscing on the good times they shared. The quartet, which included head analyst Musi Matlaba, fitness and conditioning coach Kabelo Rangoaga, and goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo, was warmly welcomed by the staff of the biggest club on the continent from the moment they arrived until they left.
Egyptian supporters are expected to attend Bafana’s clash against the Pharaohs in numbers on Sunday. Their presence will also honor Mosimane, who elevated the stature of Al Ahly and Egyptian football globally after securing two Fifa Club World Cup bronze medals during his tenure. Mosimane is one of the few coaches who successfully handled the pressure of coaching the club.
Despite leaving the club four years ago, Mosimane still holds a strong bond with the supporters, some of whom previously called on social media for him to return and assist whenever results faltered before he rejoined Bafana. The warm welcome is a testament to his legacy at Al Ahly and his impact on Egyptian football.
Mosimane will urge his fringe players to use the friendly as an opportunity to showcase their talent and secure a positive result. The team has been performing well, with Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis being hailed for their recent performances. The friendly against Egypt will be a crucial test for Bafana Bafana ahead of the Afcon qualifiers.
The international friendly against Egypt on Sunday will provide a tough test for Bafana Bafana, but Mosimane is confident in his team's abilities. With a strong performance, Bafana Bafana can continue to prove why Egypt feels like a second home to Mosimane. The match will also be an opportunity for Mosimane to repay the warm welcome he received from the Egyptian fans and Al Ahly staff.
Key points
- Pitso Mosimane receives a warm welcome at his former club Al Ahly ahead of an international friendly against Egypt on Sunday.
- Bafana Bafana maintain their perfect start in the Afcon qualifiers with a 5-0 win over Eritrea.
- Mosimane urges his fringe players to showcase their talent and secure a positive result in the friendly against Egypt.
