Pitso Mosimane, the head coach of Al Ahly, has been voted the Best African Club Coach of the Year for 2021 by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
In July, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach successfully led the Red Devils to their 10th CAF Champions League title after seeing off South African side Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the final. This season’s Champions League is on, and you can bet on all continental and domestic leagues with Betway South Africa online betting from anywhere you are.
‘Jingles’ also helped Al Ahly to their best-ever result in the FIFA Club World Cup, when the Egyptian giants won a 3-2 penalty shootout triumph against Palmeiras in a playoff to claim third place. In May, the 57-year-old led his team to victory in the CAF Super Cup, beating Moroccan side RS Berkane 2-0. Mosimane took to Twitter to express his gratitude for winning the accolade.
“I’m so honoured to have received this award and ranking. Thank you to Ranking_IFFHS for the award. I’d like to thank my technical team AlAhly, the players, the Board, President El Khatib and all my supporters in Africa for always supporting me. Alhamdulillah.”
Meanwhile, Egypt and Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah bagged the Men’s Best Player of the Year title. Salah is enjoying his best run of form, scoring 22 goals in all competitions and leading the English Premier League scoring charts with 15 goals. He is the favourite with Betway to win the Golden Boot in the 2021/22 season.
Senegal and Chelsea Edouard Mendy won the Best Goalkeeper of the Year award. Mendy continues to impress for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, and his absence should be a worry for the Blues as the African Cup of Nations draws near.
Victor Gomes, a South African compatriot of Mosimane’s, was named Best Referee of the Year.
Al Ahly is expected to give Pitso Mosimane a new contract soon.
Al Ahly’s director of transfers, Amir Tawfik, announced in a statement that Mosimane will remain in charge of the squad.
And, despite widespread criticism from a section of Al Ahly supporters, Mosimane has stated that he has no plans to quit the club for the time being.
Mosimane’s new contract will be discussed at a later date according to Tawfik.
In a statement, Tawfik stated, “The club wants Mosimane to continue leading the team.”
“A longer contract increases the team’s stability. There will be a meeting between club president Mahmoud El-Khatib and Mosimane to discuss the new contract at a later date,” said Tawfik.
Mosimane has never requested a pay raise in his demands for new contracts, according to Al Ahly president Mahmoud El-Khatib.
He made it plain, though, that the 57-year-old coach earned it for his job at Al Ahly, which he has done and continues to do.
Currently, Mosimane is said to be tied to an R54 million contract with Al Ahly, which will expire in October 2022. Bet on Al Ahly to bag a hat-trick of awards this season with Betway.
Other awards
Algeria’s Djamel Belmadi took home the award for the Best National Coach, with his compatriot, and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez winning the best playmaker award.
Burkina Faso and Shaktar Donestsk Lassina Traore scooped the Best Young Player award.
