Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane admitted conflicting emotions having steered his team to their Decima with a convincing 3-0 win against 10-man Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday night’s Caf Champions League final at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
Mosimane said‚ while the win was important for Ahly as they defended their title and lifted the trophy for a historic 10th time‚ he did feel a touch of regret that it came against the team of his country‚ and who he had supported as a child.
Mosimane said he had always been close to Chiefs‚ as his uncle‚ Gabriel “Tikkie” Khoza‚ played for the team.
“I feel conflicted because I played the team from my country‚ firstly. Secondly, I played against the team that I supported as a youngster‚” the former Mamelodi Sundowns boss‚ who became the second-placed coach in Champions winners’ medals with a third title‚ said.
“My history with Kaizer Chiefs as a youngster has been big because my uncle played for Chiefs. Doctor Khumalo’s dad [Eliakim ‘Pro’ Khumalo] used to take me in his kombi to the games and training sessions as Chiefs.
“I grew up on the same street as the chairman of Chiefs‚ Kaizer Motaung. I used to stop him on the road when we were playing football‚ in his [Ford] Mustang. So there’s a lot of history and respect also for the team.
“But‚ ja‚ I think they have done well. If I was Kaizer Chiefs I would be very proud of the team because look where they have arrived. And nobody just arrives in the Champions League final — it’s not easy.
“So Hamdullah [praise to God] they came and we won the trophy.”
Chiefs held their own in the first half but had attacker Happy Mashiane sent off in added time for a rash challenge on Akram Tawfik. Ten-man Chiefs were easily outgunned in the second half.
Ahly’s goals came from Mohamed Sherif (53rd minute)‚ Mohamed Magdy Afsha (64th) and Amr Al Sulaya (74th).
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