Pitso Mosimane: 3 Issues Former Bafana Bafana Gaffer Must Tackle at Saudi Club Abha

• Saudi Pro League side Abha Club are in pursuit of Pitso Mosimane
• The South African is seen as an ideal fit to solve their current woes
• Sports Brief highlights three issues the former Sundowns coach will face at the club

Pitso Mosimane is on the verge of taking over the reins at Saudi Pro League sie Abha club.

The 59-year-old, who experienced tremendous success during his stint with both Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, has been linked with a flurry of clubs all around the world, including a return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with struggling giants Kaizer Chiefs.

However, reports from the Saudi media outlet Arriyadiyah indicate that Mosimane's return to the Middle Eastern League is nearly finalised, as he is poised to take charge at the struggling Abha club, currently languishing at the bottom of the Pro League table.

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Abha club has endured a lacklustre season, suffering defeats in 13 out of their 19 matches so far. With this development, Sports Brief highlights three key issues that Mosimane will need to address in order to achieve significant success with the Saudi club.

Abha’s leaky defence

The Saudi League basement side has conceded the most goals of the 18 participating teams in the league so far.

The Abha-based club have let in 52 goals, averaging 2.70 goals per game in the 19 matches played this season. This defensive struggle might be attributed to coach George Timia's utilisation of the 4-1-4-1 formation. To achieve any semblance of success, Mosimane needs to address and improve the team's leaky defence.

Abha’s lack of firepower

The attacking strength of the Saudi Pro League club is notably lacklustre. Throughout the season, George Timia's team has scored a total of 22 goals, averaging 1.1 goals per game. The leading goal-scorer is former Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi, who has netted seven goals and is set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The second-highest goal-scorer is defensive midfielder Grzegorz Kychowiak, who has five goals.

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Considering the team's need for more offensive firepower, Mosimane may need to explore options in the upcoming January transfer window. Securing a prominent forward could be crucial in helping the team distance itself from the threat of relegation.

Abha’s lack of fitness

Another issue the South African will be looking to address is his team’s lack of fitness. Previous teams managed by Mosimane are synonymous with high intensity and astute fitness.

The 59-year-old, whose announcement is imminent, will hope he can maximise the club’s mid-season break to ready his team to the level he wants and hence avoid relegation.

Why Mosimane has not coached in Europe

Sports Brief also previously reported on Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos's response to Pitso Mosimane's claims about Europe’s elite sides.

The South African veteran had stated that many European clubs preferred to hire managers from somewhere other than the African continent.

This claim, however, was firmly refuted by the current South Africa head coach, who appeared not to share the same opinion as the 59-year-old.