Pitso Mosimane: Abha Coach Gears Up for Showdown Against Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Knowledge Musona

Pitso Mosimane: Abha Coach Gears Up for Showdown Against Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Knowledge Musona

Robert Abong'o
March 26, 2024 at 10:09 AM
In this article:
Abha logo
Abha
Saudi Arabia
31
Al-Riyadh logo
Al-Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
30
Saudi Professional League logo
KSA Professional League
Saudi Arabia
Knowledge Musona logo
K. Musona
Al-Riyadh logoMZimbabwe logo
  • Pitso Mosimane will lead Abha Club in a crucial match against Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League
  • Former Kaizer Chiefs star Knowledge Musona captains Al Riyadh, adding intrigue to the fixture
  • With relegation looming, both teams are fighting for vital points to secure survival in the league

Pitso Mosimane is bracing himself for another crucial encounter as he leads Abha Club in their ambitious task of securing their survival in the Saudi Pro League.

With only 10 matches left in the 2023/24 season, Abha are precariously perched on 17th spot, just six points clear of the relegation zone.

Mosimane, at the helm for five matches, has seen mixed results, securing victories against Al Tai and Al Wehda while enduring defeats to Al Fayha and Al Ettifaq.

Pitso Mosimane's will lead Abha Club against Knowledge Musona's Al Riyadh. Photos: Kenzo Tribouillard and Michael Regan.
Pitso Mosimane's Abha Club face Al Riyadh', captained by Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona. Photos: Kenzo Tribouillard and Michael Regan.
Source: Getty Images

The upcoming fixture against Al Riyadh on March 30, at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, presents a pivotal opportunity for the club to edge closer to safety.

Adding intrigue to the match is former Kaizer Chiefs star, Knowledge Musona, who now captains Al Riyadh. Musona's move to the Saudi side from Al Tai in June 2023 has seen him contributing 4 goals and an assist in 19 appearances this season, as reported by Far Post.

Mosimane's agent, Moira Tlhagale, recently highlighted the decision-making process behind the manager's four-month contract. She elaborated on the former Al Ahli coach's stance regarding managerial autonomy, citing his reluctance to be micromanaged. She spoke into the negotiation process, saying the Saudi side initially offered an 18-month contract.

“They wanted to make it an 18-month contract, but we were not happy with the next year’s amount, understanding the market. We then agreed that we would have them for the next 4 months and if there was interest, we agree on the negotiations of the second part. If we don’t agree he moves on," she said, as seen in a video on journalist Lorenz Köhler's X handle.

Saad Samir slams Mosimane player dissent claims

Sports Brief reported that former Al Ahly defender, Saad Samir, slammed claims that players wanted Mosimane out.

During his time with the Egyptian giants, he won two CAF Champions League titles, two CAF Super Cups, and one Egyptian Cup.

Upon his arrival, the club had endured a seven-year drought without a Champions League trophy, and his leadership saw the team clinch back-to-back titles.

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Robert Abong'o
Editor - Africa Team
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Pitso MosimaneSouth Africa