Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane insists his side are not only representing Egypt but Africa during their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Red Devils will kick start their campaign against Mexico outfit Monterrey in their knockout clash on Saturday evening at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

However, Ahly coach Mosimane will not be present for the game after he tested positive for Covid-19.

“I think we should thank the players and the board. We should also thank the staff, the management and our supporters for their great support. We should thank them for helping us to make our second appearance in a row in the FIFA Club World Cup,” Mosimane told his club’s official website.

“We are happy to be here and to represent the club. It is not about me, as I am only the coach. I am only here to support the program. The players are the ones who play and they deserve more credit than us. We are just guiding them through and showing them the right direction. They are the ones who play and score the goals.

“It is important for the brand of Al Ahly to be in such international competitions. We have done well in all the competitions that we have been in during the last two years and I think this is the fifth one.

“Unfortunately, in Qatar, we have got a bronze medal, but at least we got a medal for Africa, as we represent Africa not only Egypt.

“I hope that this time we do better and get a medal of a different colour.

“All the players are professionals, so we have to make it. We brought in some young players. They have been helping us in the EPL Cup. They are here and they have worked hard to be here and I am happy that they are here with us. We are a strong team and we believe in ourselves.

“We have worked hard and analyzed Monterrey. We presented their playing style to the players and they know what to expect.

“In football, it is not about how you start, but it is about how you finish. If you look at the national football team of Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations, they did not start well, but where are they now, they are in the semi-finals. So, it is all about how you finish.

“Our fans must trust and believe in us. We will give our best like we did all the time. Every time we have been in these international tournaments, we have shown who we are and there is no excuse. We must give our best and leave everything to God.

“We are going to give our best and we hope to do well. We are Al Ahly and we will fight until the end.”