The herculean task that Pitso Mosimane faces at Abha Club

Revered tactician Pitso Mosimane undoubtedly faces a herculean task at his new Saudi Pro League home, Abha Club.

The former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer joined Abha Club last month, signing a short-term contract on his return to the dugout. That was after a brief sabbatical that came after parting ways with UAE outfit Al Wahda.

Prior to the move, he had been linked with a sensational return to the DStv Premiership, with Kaizer Chiefs angling for his services.

Interestingly, the highly-rated SA tactican Mosimane landed at a club that has had more downs than highs in the 2023/24 season.

THE HERCULEAN TASK ON PITSO MOSIMANE’S HANDS

Abha are currently in the Saudi Pro League’s murky waters of relegation, with 14 points after 19 matches.

They have an awful goal difference of -30, two goals more than the bottom-placed team, Al Hazm. Al Hazm have 13 points.

Simply put, the former Bafana Bafana mentor’s task will be to keep the team in top-flight football.

The club last tasted victory on 4 November 2023 when they beat Al Akhoud 3-2 at home. Moreover, the win was followed by seven defeats and one draw, further sinking the team into the red zone.

Abha are set to face Al-Taawoun FC on 15 February in what will be Mosimane’s first match in charge of the team.

Moreso, they will be without Cameroon star Karl Toko Ekambi, who left after six months at the club. He joined rivals, Al Ettifaq.

MOSIMANE BANKING ON PAST HISTORY IN SAUDI ARABIA

However, the veteran coach will be banking on his previous success in the Saudi Arabian football ranks. Mosimane’s first Middle East experience was with Al-Ahli, a team he helped gain promotion into the Saudi top tier.

The 59-year-old ended up parting ways with Al-Ahli before what was a much-anticipated stint in the Pro League.

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