Pitso Mosimane, Al Ahly’s football first team head coach, spoke about having the opportunity to coach Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup for the second consecutive season.

In an interview with us, Mosimane talked about what it means for the team to represent Africa in the FIFA Club World Cup, revealed the team’s ambitions going into the tournament, and went over the preparations for Saturday’s game against C.F. Monterrey of Mexico.

"I think we should thank the players and the board. We should also thank the staff, the management and our supporters for their great support. We should thank them for helping us to make our second appearance in a row in the FIFA Club World Cup."

"We are happy to be here and to represent the club. It is not about me, as I am only the coach. I am only here to support the program. The players are the ones who play and they deserve more credit than us. We are just guiding them through and showing them the right direction. They are the ones who play and score the goals."

"It is important for the brand of Al Ahly to be in such international competitions. We have done well in all the competitions that we have been in during the last two years and I think this is the fifth one." 

"Unfortunately, in Qatar, we have got a bronze medal, but at least we got a medal for Africa, as we represent Africa not only Egypt." 

"I hope that this time we do better and get a medal of a different color.“

"All the players are professionals, so we have to make it. We brought in some young players. They have been helping us in the EPL Cup. They are here and they have worked hard to be here and I am happy that they are here with us. We are a strong team and we believe in ourselves."

"We have worked hard and analyzed Monterrey. We presented their playing style to the players and they know what to expect."

"In football, it is not about how you start, but it is about how you finish. If you look at the national football team of Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations, they did not start well, but where are they now, they are in the semi-finals. So, it is all about how you finish." 

"Our fans must trust and believe in us. We will give our best like we did all the time. Every time we have been in these international tournaments, we have shown who we are and there is no excuse. We must give our best and leave everything to God.”

"We are going to give our best and we hope to do well. We are Al Ahly and we will fight until the end."