Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, as is the case with so many coaches around the world, complained about his team’s schedule after they played log-leaders and bitter rivals Zamalek in the Cairo derby on Monday. This was just five days before their blockbuster CAF Champions League first-leg tie against Mamelodi Sundowns.

And the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has come down hard on Mosimane with a hefty fine after his comments in press conference in this regard.

Suffice it to say, the EFA wasn’t impressed – nor had any sympathy – for the under fire Mosimane and hit him with a E£20 000 (R18 000) fine for his comments.

Al Ahly and Zamalek drew their clash 1-1 with the latter maintaining their four point lead atop the standings, albeit having played two more matches than second-placed Al Ahly.

“If it were my way because Al Ahly is the only time playing in the CAF Champions League representing Egypt, we would protect Al Ahly and not play a game of the magnitude of Zamalek.” Pitso Mosimane said on Monday.

The EFA confirmed in an official statement that Mosimane had been punished for ‘hate speech’ while other members of the technical team were also punished for various other transgressions.

Al Ahly will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first-leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final on Saturday, 15 May. The game will kick off 19:00 GMT.