Johannesburg – Mzansi’s Al Ahly coach Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane has carved his name in the annals of African football history by becoming the most decorated South African tactician to win three CAF Champions League titles.
Mosimane’s crowning glory was achieved against his fellow countrymen Kaizer Chiefs after Al Alhly thrashed Amakhosi 3-0 in Casablanca, Morocco on Saturday night.
Mosimane, 56, won the coveted trophy with Pretoria giants Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016, thereafter added two feathers in his cap by winning the title twice with Egypt’s Red Devils.
His second came soon after joining Al Ahly last season.
Mosimane’s three Champions League titles feat is only surpassed by Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, who won four with the Cairo-based football powerhouse Al Ahly.
His third title was won in style when the Red Devils, now crowned champions for the 10th time, emphatically beat a 10-men Chiefs following the sending off of defender Happy Mashiane for a dangerous tackle.
Mashiane saw red when Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihaweniman gave him his marching orders following a dangerous tackle on defender Akram Tawfik on the stroke of half-time.
The Kagiso, Mogale City-born Mosimane, fondly nicknamed Jingles during his playing days, said after the match that his charges were hungrier for victory compared to Amakhosi.
“We really needed this trophy. I know the team from my country also wanted their first star, but we wanted it more than them. The tenth [title] was the target,” said an elated
Mosimane, with the South African national flag draped over his shoulders.
“It’s good for history, it’s good for our archives. How better to do it than with three goals.
“Yes, I understand that there was a red card but a red card is part of football, you should not be reckless if you play in the cup final. “You shouldn’t be emotional but this happens in football.”
“We deserve it, we won it. We have been scoring goals. We have scored in the semi-finals.
We have scored all the way. Congratulations to the team,” he said. “Al Ahly deserve the tenth trophy to make history.”
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