Pitso Mosimane: Abha Club Coach Eyes Role With National Team As Nigeria Job Remains Vacant

Pitso Mosimane: Abha Club Coach Eyes Role With National Team As Nigeria Job Remains Vacant

Robert Abong'o
March 27, 2024 at 1:12 PM
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  • Pitso Mosimane is shifting his focus away from coaching football at club level
  • The Abha Club coach is reportedly pursuing opportunities with national teams
  • Mosimane has reportedly been considered for the Nigerian national team job

Renowned South African coach, Pitso Mosimane, is redirecting his attention away from club coaching opportunities and toward a potential role with a national team, with the Nigeria job currently vacant.

This shift in focus has been disclosed by Mosimane's agent and Managing Director of MT Sports, Moira Tlhagale.

Currently overseeing a short-term contract with Saudi Pro League club Abha Club, the 57-year-old's primary objective is steering the team clear of relegation by the season's end.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager, Pitso Mosimane. Photo. Carl Fourie.
Pitso Mosimane's agent says he is pursuing a national team job. Photo. Carl Fourie.
Source: Getty Images

Despite expressions of interest from various parties, Tlhagale clarified that discussions with South African clubs are not underway.

“Locally, no, we are not in talks with any club. I will tell you definitely the next move that the coach and his entire technical team would like to do. It is a national team project. We are looking at those options for a national team project because that’s the mandate that they’ve given me. But obviously, if there is any other project that comes, even local, we will consider it" she said, as quoted by Sunday World.

Tlhagale stressed the importance of including Mosimane's technical team and a collaborative approach to player recruitment in their next project.

As reported by Az Score, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly manager has reportedly been considered for the Nigerian national team head coach position. The Super Eagles role became vacant following Jose Peseiro's resignation after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final defeat to Ivory Coast.

The appointment is critical as the team prepares for the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) aims to secure a manager promptly to ensure ample preparation time for the team's fixtures.

Mosimane to face Knowledge Musona

Sports Brief reported that Mosimane was bracing to face Knowledge Musona's Al Riyadh 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.

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Robert Abong'o
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Pitso MosimaneSouth AfricaNigeria