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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Pitso Mosimane joined Abha Club</li><li>This is his second stint in Saudi Arabia</li><li>Keen to keep the team in Pro League</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Abha FC coach Pitso Mosimane still hurt by Al Ahli Saudi dismissal: 'It’s the biggest league'

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/no-team-was-comfortable-playing-against-sa-pitso-mosimane-commends-bafana-s-valiant-effort-at-afcon-2023/blt02d5c74fcf677062" target="_blank">Pitso Mosimane</a>, the revered tactician, recently embarked on a new challenge with Abha Club in the Saudi Pro League. After a brief sabbatical following his departure from UAE outfit Al Wahda, Mosimane signed a short-term contract with Abha Club. Mosimane’s mission is clear: keep Abha Club in top-flight football. His first match in charge will be against Al-Taawoun FC on February 15. Notably, the team will be without Cameroon star Karl Toko Ekambi, who recently departed for rivals, Al Ettifaq.

WHAT HAPPENED

However, the task awaiting <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/renowned-pitso-mosimane-kaizer-chiefs-itumeleng-khune-hail-ronwen-williams-as-the-best-on-the-continent/bltf29821f023f6ddd7" target="_blank">Mosimane </a>at Abha Club is no small feat. The team currently finds itself in the murky waters of relegation, sitting with 14 points after 19 matches.Their goal difference stands at a daunting -30, just two goals better than the bottom-placed team, Al Hazm. Abha’s last victory dates back to November 4, 2023, when they secured a 3-2 win against Al Akhdoud at home. Unfortunately, subsequent defeats and a draw have further pushed them into the red zone.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

“It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Abha is one of the league’s ‘small’ teams. But there’s ambition, there’s a bit of experience. We need to try to do things a little differently. If we can save them from relegation, there’s an opportunity to then make them much, much better. It’s an adventure, and I like adventures," Mosimane was quoted as saying by<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2024/02/14/pitso-mosimane-ready-for-next-adventure-at-saudi-pro-league-strugglers-abha/" target="_blank"> The National News.</a>

WHAT MOSIMANE SAID

"With the differences between those four clubs and rest, it can seem like we’re their sparring partners,” he added. But for me it’s about the challenge and, I guess, I’m trying to finish a story. If I personalise it, I won promotion to this league with Al Ahli, so I should be in the Pro League. Of course, the conditions are different. It’s now the biggest league in the Gulf, maybe in Asia," Mosimane added.

AND WHAT ELSE?

Drawing from his previous success in Saudi Arabian football, Mosimane will rely on his experience with Al-Ahli, a team he helped promote to the Saudi top tier. Now, he aims to add another chapter to his story in Saudi Arabia with Abha as he looks to prove that he belongs in the Pro League by ensuring that the team retains its status in the competition.

WHAT'S NEXT

Abha FC coach Pitso Mosimane still hurt by Al Ahli Saudi dismissal: 'It’s the biggest league' | Goal.com

Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is on a mission to return to the Saudi Pro League and Abha Club might be a stepping stone.

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