Pitso Mosimane has revealed why he decided to join Saudi second division side Al-Ahli and shared details on the mandate he has been given by the club.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane oversaw his first match in charge of Saudi outfi Al-Ahli on Wednesday as his side played out a 1-1 draw against cross-time rivals Jeddah.
WATCH | Pitso arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of Al-Ahli adventure
The three-time CAF Champions League winner was appointed as the club's head coach late last month and prior to the match revealed how the move to Saudi Arabian second division came about.
"I understand, big news for a big team. That's why we are here. We might not be in the Premier League, but we are in a big team, otherwise we would not be here," Mosimane said.
"Six months ago, I played against Al Hilal in the FIFA World Cup, now in December, and we are here. I think we could have been anywhere else if wanted, but we chose to be here because it is a good project.
"I must give credit to Mr. Walid (Makni) for how he spoke to me, and how he negotiated for me to come here, and not to any other team in the world – and we had offers – but to convince me that this was a good project.
"After watching the games, and the history of the club, I thought this was a good project for us. He really convinced me to be here."
The 58-year-old also revealed that he has been given a mandate to help the three-time top-flight champions earn promotion back to the Saudi Pro League but would not be drawn on talk about the length of his contract.
"I don't know about the confidentiality in the contract, that you know, but I will leave it the way you have said it," Mosimane added.
"But, I am here to take this team to where it is supposed to be, and I think you know where it is supposed be. And I have this year to take it back to where it is supposed to be. That is the reason I am here.
"You are talking about the number of years I am supposed to be here or not, but I don't want to discuss that, you can discuss that with the board of Al-Ahli."
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