Al Ahly who were seeking a record third straight CAF Champions League title, were desappointed when they lost the title to Wydad Athletic Club.
Pitso Mosimane’s men finished as runners-up after losing 2-0 to Wydad Casablanca in the final played at Mohamed V Stadium in Morocco on Monday.
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At the post-match medal ceremony, Al Ahly players were quick to remove their silver medals. The scene drew the attention of Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela who took to social media to slam Mosimane and team for showing a lack of respect.
“It’s so disgusting watching players given medals and disrespectfully pulling them out of their necks. Lack of respect. Class? No matter how you feel, you must always maintain class, dignity and respect. So sad.” He posted on social media.
However, Pitso Mosimane has backed his players, and explained that he also gave his medal away.
“I don’t play for silver medals. I play for gold.” Mosimane told Andile Ncube during a live interview on SABC Sport.
“Don’t give me a silver medal. I don’t want it. I took my silver medal off. I gave it to the photographer.” He insisted.
Mosimane also once again hit out at CAF’s decision to host the final at Wydad’s home ground, the Stade Mohamed V, which he said also played into the decision to disregard their medals.
Also Read : PITSO MOSIMANE BLAMES AL AHLY’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE LOSS ON CAF
“Have you understood why? Where was the final played? In Morocco. Where did the CAF president put the final ? Where and when was that decision made?” He wondered.
“You can’t tell me. I must tell my players to keep their medals. You know me I’m direct. I speak to the relevant person, direct. It’s not for public. It’s not for media. I tell you straight.
“Look at the podium, I was speaking to the podium. Normally I go there, I take my medal and I walk away. This time I was speaking to them. I spoke to FIFA and I spoke to CAF. Because I speak my mind. You might not like me. But don’t dim my light. Be fair.
“If I want to the third Champions League, I work for it. Don’t dim my light. Be fair, be good. Because everybody can see and the world can see.” He added.