Local reports recently suggested that Ahly would not make a new offer to Mosimane until after the Club World Cup, even though the South African's current deal expires at the end of the season.

Ahly traditionally refrain from discussing such contract talks in the media but Mosimane opted to go public following the team's 1-1 draw with Arab Contractors in the inaugural EFA Cup edition on Friday.

"It has taken too long, yes. We have been negotiating for a very long time," he said when asked about contract renewal talks during the post-match news conference.

"It's not nice to negotiate for too long. I want to stay, Al Ahly knows I want to stay and I know Al Ahly wants me to stay. But we are not reaching an agreement.

"I can tell you, it's not the salary that makes us not reach an agreement. It's other principles in the contract," he added without elaborating further.

The last round of talks broke down in October last year over a reported financial disagreement.

Ahly will kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Mexico's Monterrey in the second round on 5 February.

They finished third under the guidance of Mosimane last year after a remarkable shootout win over South American champions Palmeiras.

"I hope we reach an agreement before we go to mondial because I need to clear my head and know what's going to happen in my life," the 57-year-old said.

"If I have an existing contract that I need to respect and honour, I will do that. After a few months, we have to find a solution. We have to move on with our lives to find stability."

Mosimane made an instant impact after taking over at the club in October 2020, guiding the team to a much-awaited African Champions League crown following a memorable 2-1 victory over perennial Cairo rivals Zamalek in the final a month later.

He also steered Ahly to the Egypt Cup title before winning Africa's blue-riband club competition for the second time in a row last season.

However, Ahly then began a downward slide, losing the Egyptian Premier League title, which they had won the previous five seasons, to Zamalek before suffering a shock shootout defeat by unfancied Talae El-Geish in the domestic Super Cup.

They kicked off the new season in convincing fashion though, winning six out of their opening seven league games to top the table and winning the African Super Cup on penalties after snatching a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Morocco's Raja last month.

"It's important when you are a team, to focus and not listen to calls coming because they disturb you and I need my future sorted out," Mosimane added in an apparent reference to interest from other clubs.

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