Abha Club boss Pitso Mosimane has insisted that nationality should not be the main factor coaches are judged on as he embarks on his second stint in Saudi Arabia.
The South African coach feels the only differences between coaches who come from different continents are their level of competence, their ability to persevere, and how much effort they put into their jobs.
Read: Mosimane maintains 23-year feat
The three-time CAF Champions League winning-tactician was appointed as coach of Saudi Pro League strugglers Abha on a short-term deal last month, and prior to taking charge of his first official match for the club on Thursday evening, Mosimane spoke to Saudi channel SSC and reflected on his career thus far.
"I'm familiar with Saudi football through my experience with a big team like Al Ahli," the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach said, per KingFut.
"I played matches at the highest level in the FIFA Club World Cup with Al Ahly. We achieved a significant 4-0 victory over Al Hilal.
"We have also played big matches in the Club World Cup against prestigious clubs like Bayern Munich and Palmeiras.
"I believe my coaching career and achievements speak for my capabilities."
Mosimane went on to explain how he has faced, and beaten, coaches from other continents in a bid to hammer his point home, while also citing another example of an African coach achieving something that European coaches failed to.
"I have become accustomed to overcoming barriers and doing things that are not typical of African coaches," he continued.
"When Al Ahly wanted to win the Champions League, they chose an African coach, and I thank Al Ahly and its president, [Mahmoud] El Khatib, for trusting in my ability to make a difference.
"A coach should not be judged by their nationality but by their achievements. I have faced coaches from Europe and South America and achieved victories over them.
"There is no difference between an African coach and a Latin one. It depends on competence, perseverance, and effort.
"Egypt is the most successful team in the Africa Cup of Nations, achieving that with my friend Hassan Shehata. We have seen many European coaches fail with Egypt. The success came with an Egyptian coach, Hassan Shehata."
Read: Nwabali speaks on potentially leaving SA for Europe
In Abha's first match with Mosimane at the wheel, they picked up a 1-1 draw against fourth-placed Al Taawoun.
The Leaders of the South's next encounter will be against 14th-placed Al Fayha as they look to escape the dreaded relegation zone.
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