Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has recently revealed the circumstances surrounding Pitso Mosimane’s visit to the club.
The Stellies mentor revealed that the highly decorated former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor was present for a sports tournament, but was on hand to offer invaluable insights ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal clash against Egyptian giants Zamalek SC.
Mosimane, currently unattached after his departure from Iranian club Esteghlal FC due to a dispute over unpaid salaries, has a rich history of coaching success. Before his stint in Iran, he held managerial positions with several clubs in the Gulf region, including Abha Club, Al-Wahda, and Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
However, it was his tenure on the African continent, particularly with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, that cemented his legendary status. The 60-year-old boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, including two CAF Champions League titles with Al Ahly and one with Sundowns, alongside numerous domestic accolades.
Barker revealed that Mosimane’s visit to Stellenbosch a few days prior was specifically timed to provide the team with a strategic advantage before their significant encounter with Zamalek.
“It was nice to have Pitso here. He was down with the North vs South Toyota [rugby] tournament. He has a big passion for football, so he was down here to see how Rugby is doing it,” Barker remarked.
“So it’s nice to see Pitso in that space, helping the broader South African football landscape. Since he was here, it wouldn’t have been wise of us not to use the opportunity to use his expertise and the knowledge that he has, having coached in Egypt and played a number of times against Zamalek.
“It was nice to hear from him, the mentality and the emotional engagement that Zamalek have, and just giving us a little bit of an input on how to approach these types of games.
“So to have that experience from somebody who has won the Champions League and played against Zamalek on a number of occasions was really great for us as coaches and the players.”
The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town Stadium today, Wednesday, April 2nd, at 15:00, with the decisive return leg set to be played in Egypt on Wednesday, April 9th. Mosimane’s timely visit and shared expertise are undoubtedly a significant boost for Stellenbosch as they prepare for this crucial continental challenge.