South African coach Mosimane quits Sundowns

Highly successful Pitso Mosimane quit as Mamelodi Sundowns coach Wednesday, amid speculation that the South African will join African and Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Mosimane confirmed in a tweet that he is leaving the Pretoria club and will sign for an unnamed "international club".

"I am taking up a new challenge that will take me out of my comfort zone," tweeted the 56-year-old former South Africa forward and coach.

The Egyptian media have been reporting that Ahly are about to part ways with Swiss coach Rene Weiler after a breakdown in contract renewal negotiations.

Mosimane recently signed a four-year extension to his contract after winning 11 African and domestic trophies since joining Sundowns in 2012 after being fired as the national coach.

His triumphs included the CAF Champions League, the CAF Super Cup, and five league titles and four cup competitions in South Africa. 

In 2016, Sundowns became only the second South African club after Orlando Pirates to win the Champions League, and the first to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ahly have won a record 19 CAF titles, including the Champions League eight times, and recently clinched a 42nd Egyptian Premier League crown.

The Cairo Red Devils are familiar with Mosimane as Ahly and Sundowns met at the quarter-finals stage of the 2019 and 2020 Champions League.

Sundowns won 5-1 on aggregate last year and Ahly exacted revenge this season with a 3-1 overall victory.