Pitso Mosimane’s second match in charge of Bafana Bafana carries an added layer of significance as the South African coach returns to Cairo for Wednesday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea.
Mosimane knows the Egyptian capital well.
It was in Cairo that he built one of the most decorated chapters of his coaching career, leading Al Ahly to major domestic and continental success before leaving the club in 2022.
Now, he is back in the city — this time with South Africa and a new challenge in front of him.
Mosimane’s successful Al Ahly spell
Mosimane was appointed Al Ahly head coach in September 2020 after building his reputation in South Africa.
His time at the Egyptian giants proved highly successful.
Under his leadership, Al Ahly won the CAF Champions League twice, while also lifting the CAF Super Cup.
The club also secured consecutive bronze medals at the FIFA Club World Cup during Mosimane’s tenure.
On the domestic front, Al Ahly added the Egyptian Premier League and Egypt Cup to their trophy cabinet.
According to statistics cited by multiple football websites, Mosimane recorded 65 victories, 22 draws and 10 defeats in 97 matches during his spell with the club.
Success came with pressure
Mosimane’s achievements did not prevent him from facing intense scrutiny during his time in Egypt.
A 2021 report by The New Arab highlighted the criticism directed towards the South African despite his impressive record with Al Ahly.
Egyptian football figure Mido also defended Mosimane against some of the criticism.
As reported by KickOff, Mido argued that Mosimane would have faced less hostility if he had been European.
Despite the pressure, Mosimane’s trophy haul cemented his place in Al Ahly’s recent history.
He eventually left the club by mutual consent in June 2022 after requesting his release.
A different mission with Bafana Bafana
Mosimane’s return to Cairo comes with a very different objective.
After his departure from Al Ahly, the coach continued his career in the Middle East, taking charge of clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
He returned to the international stage when he was appointed Bafana Bafana head coach in September 2026.
His reign began with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in South Africa’s opening 2027 AFCON qualifier.
Now Mosimane must guide Bafana through another important Group D fixture against Eritrea.
The match is being played in Cairo because Eritrea’s home venues do not meet the required international standards, giving Mosimane an unexpected return to a city where he previously enjoyed considerable success.
Cairo double-header for Bafana
The Eritrea clash is only the first part of Bafana’s Cairo assignment.
South Africa will remain in Egypt before facing the hosts in a friendly on 4 October.
For Mosimane, the two matches provide an opportunity to continue building his team while revisiting familiar surroundings.
But the immediate priority is clear: Bafana need another positive result against Eritrea as they continue their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
After starting the qualifying campaign with three points against Guinea, Mosimane will be looking to maintain that momentum in a city that holds a significant place in his coaching story.
Cairo once witnessed Mosimane’s success with Al Ahly.
Now, he returns with Bafana Bafana hoping to write another chapter.
