Ahly's South African coach Pitso Mosimane looks on during the CAF Champions League semi-final match between Egypt's al-Ahly and Algeria's ES Setif at the al-Salam stadium in Cairo File. Former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane on Friday was appointed as coach of Abha Club. Picture: Khaled Desouki/AFP
Former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane on Friday was appointed as coach of Abha Club in the Saudi Pro League.
Led by the former Bafana Bafana mentor Mosimane, the technical team will consist of Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon and goalkeeper coach Hamad Alyami for the rest of the 2023/2024 season.
Mosimane and his team, however, will have their work cut out for them at the helm of Abha. The club is currently in 17th position, in the 18 team league after 19 matches. With just four wins and two draws, Abha has 14 points and the worst goal difference of minus 30 in the league. Only Al-Hazm is below Abha, with 13 points. Al-Tai is one spot ahead of Abha in 16th position with 17 points. The bottom three teams will be relegated at the end of the season.
It means Mosimane has just 15 matches left to ensure his new club avoid the chop.
Mosimane said: “I am happy to be returning to Saudi Arabia with an exciting challenge awaiting. Abha Club has had a quick rise to the Saudi Pro League, considering they were playing in the third Division just four seasons ago.
“Now the club faces its toughest challenge yet, I am honoured that the board has entrusted me with the tasking of keeping the team in the Pro League.”
MT Sports Marketing and Management confirmed the appointment as managing Director, Moira Tlhagale said: “We are confident that our coaches will work hard to ensure that the “Leaders of the South” defend their place in the Pro League. Coach Pitso Mosimane and his team’s brand of excellence and deliverance of results will shine through.”
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