Pitso Mosimane’s mission to awaken a sleeping giant in Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli Saudi FC remains well on track.
Ahli beat Najran 2-0 at the Prince Hathloul Bin Abdul Aziz Sport City Stadium on Tuesday night to move to the summit of the Saudi First Division League table.
The hard-fought win meant Mosimane’s side now leads the pack in the race for the title. They enjoy a two-point lead over rivals Al-Hazm, who drew on Monday night.
Ahli have now amassed 52 points from their 24 matches so far and look determined to clinch the title in Mosimane’s first season in charge.
PITSO MOSIMANE TASKED TO RESTORE AL AHLI FORMER GLORY
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly mentor was roped in with the view to getting the club back to its former glory.
And that decision is slowly proving a masterstroke from the club’s management, with Mosimane on track to deliver the goods.
Not only has Mosimane and his charges placed themselves among six teams vying for automatic promotion, they are now fighting for the title.
The 58-year-old South African tactician has overseen a remarkable turnaround since taking over in September last year.
The team was struggling in the bottom half of the table when he took over. However, he has been able to turn them into title challengers.
ONLY LOST ONE
Mosimane has only lost one of his 17 matches in charge of Al Ahli. The Kagiso-born mentor appears to be on his way to leading them back to the Saudi Professional League.
The club was relegated to the first division in the 2021-22 campaign and Mosimane was given the mandate to guide them back to the land of milk and honey.
Although their return to the top flight seems increasingly likely, it remains to be seen whether Al-Ahli Saudi can maintain their form and finish the season top of the table.
Mosimane’s charges are next in action when they host fourth-placed Al-Riyadh at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on Sunday.
By Sthembiso Nkabinde
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