Pitso reflects on 'road to history'

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has reflected on his journey in football ahead of one of his biggest nights as a coach in the CAF Champions League final.

Mosimane will lead Al Ahly against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club this evening (21:00) at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, as he and the club aim to make history by winning the Champions League for a third consecutive time.

With history beckoning, 'Jingles' says this would not be possible had he not be given and made use of the various opportunities handed to him throughout his career.

"Ever since I played football, I've been given opportunities by everybody. No one in life has been successful without the help of somebody," Mosimane told the media in his pre-match briefing.

"I don't care who you are, you have been helped by somebody. So, I have been helped by a lot of people [for me] to be where I am.

"In terms of football coaching, my career didn't start with Mamelodi Sundowns, it started with another team called SuperSport United - they gave me the opportunity [to be a coach].

"Mamelodi Sundowns gave me an opportunity after the football federation [SAFA] with Bafana Bafana gave me the opportunity, and Al Ahly gave me another opportunity to be where I am.

"So, I'm grateful for all the steps I have [taken] and the opportunities I have been given, but I have taken those opportunities that I have been given - I have taken them seriously.

"So, I would not be here if it was not because of Al Ahly, and I would not be at Al Ahly if it was not for Mamelodi Sundowns, so it's a chain.

"Here we are, life is about somebody giving you a helping hand and you taking the opportunity, and I've been lucky."

By Velile Mnyandu