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In an uncharacteristic move towards coach Pitso Mosimane, Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib has revealed the harsh side that is sometimes associated with the bosses of top north African clubs.
El Khatib, who is popularly known as “Bibo”, has imposed a fine of 300 000 Egyptian pounds (about R282 000) on each member of the Al Ahly playing personnel and the technical team led by coach Pitso Mosimane.
This follows Al Ahly’s defeat to unfancied side Tala’ea El-Gaish in the Egyptian Super Cup final on Tuesday night.
Mosimane’s side went down 4-3 on penalties after the two sides laboured to a goalless draw throughout regulation time and extra time.
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In a statement released by Al Ahly, El Khatib said he had decided to “impose a 300K fine on Al Ahly players, director of football and the coaching staff after the disappointing performance in the Egyptian Super Cup on Tuesday, despite the great support that the team receives to achieve titles and meet the expectations of the fans”.
“The administrative staff and the medical staff will be subjected to a fine that is relative to their salaries.”
The setback of losing the league title to bitter rivals Zamalek last month did not sit well with Bibo, despite his constant declarations of support for Mosimane, who has guided the Egyptian powerhouse to five trophies since his appointment almost a year ago.
The achievements include Al Ahly’s successful defence of the CAF Champions League with a 3-0 trouncing of Kaizer Chiefs in the final in July. Other titles won include the CAF Super Cup, the Egyptian Premier League and the Egyptian Cup.
But the loss to Egyptian Cup runners-up El Gaish, who finished eighth last season, seems to have drawn the ire of the club’s boss.
With Tuesday’s setback and El Khatib’s harsh punishment, some observers have said this could put more pressure on Mosimane to deliver the next trophy on offer, or face the sack.
The 57-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns coach once gave a picture of the high expectations that come with guiding a big institution such as Al Ahly.
“Here [at Al Ahly] if you don’t win the Champions League and you don’t win the league, you might as well try to look elsewhere. So that’s why I am here; I am on the edge. I am done with comfort zones,’’ Mosimane told City Press in July.
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“Welcome to the real world. I faced that in South Africa too, in terms of the league, because I think when you don’t win the league at my former employers, you might face the sack, let’s be honest.’’
Next up, Al Ahly will face ENPPI Sporting Club in the last 16 of the Egyptian Cup on Saturday.
Mosimane and his side will then begin their defence of the Champions League against Niger’s Union Sportive Gendarmerie Nationale in the first leg of their second preliminary round next month.
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