Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has made a memorable return to Egypt so far, maintaining their perfect start in the Afcon qualifiers while receiving a warm reception at his former club, Al Ahly.
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.
Ahead of remaining in the Egyptian capital to face the hosts in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, Mosimane and some of his technical team – including head analyst Musi Matlaba, fitness and conditioning coach Kabelo Rangoaga, and goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo – visited Al Ahly on invitation.
The quartet was warmly welcomed by the staff of the biggest club on the continent from the moment they arrived until they left, as Mosimane was spotted embracing every staff member he met, clearly reminiscing on the good times they shared.
Mosimane is one of the few coaches who successfully handled the pressure of coaching the club, winning six trophies in under two years, including back-to-back CAF Champions League titles.
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.
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.
For that reason, Mosimane will guard against complacency. Instead, he will urge his fringe players – who are expected to feature on the day – to showcase their talent, secure a positive result, and continue to prove why Egypt feels like a second home to him.
