GRUDGE MATCH: Pitso Mosimane takes his relegation fight to former side Al Ahli as quest to keep Abha Club in Saudi Pro League intensifies

Abha will travel to the 27 000-capacity Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in the city of Jeddah to confront three-time Pro League champions Al Ahli on Saturday night.

Mosimane’s Abha are embroiled in a relegation squabble and having promoted Al Ahli to the Pro League at the end of last season, Abha’s top brass are confident that the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor is the right man to help the side retain their top-flight status.

Since signing the oath of responsibility in January, Mosimane has been drifting in and out of the danger zone, as Abha currently sits in position 16 with 29 points.

Tailing them are Al Akhdoud with 28 points, while Al Hazem have already been relegated. The 18-team league boots out the three worst performers into Division 1, where Mosimane first cut his teeth in Saudi Arabian football.

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Given the history between Mosimane and The Royals, this match is not only crucial for Abha’s quest for survival but also presents itself in the form of a grudge match.

Mosimane helped Al Ahli regain their status among the elite, and the former Al Ahly head coach was denied a chance to coach the team in the top flight.

Like chewed-up sugarcane, Mosimane was discarded, and the side went on a shopping spree, bringing in household names such as former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle United, and Roberto Firmino from Liverpool.

At the same time, ‘Jingles’ claimed that he was not paid for about six months before guiding the team to promotion.

Meanwhile, Al Ahli are likely to finish third as they have accumulated 58 points and Al Taawon are fourth with 52 points.

With three games remaining, Mosimane and the technical team, comprising of his trusted lieutenants of Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon, and Hamad Alyami, cannot afford to drop the ball as they will wrap up their campaign away to Al Hazem, who will be motivated to bow out of the premium division in style.

For Abha, however, they cannot ask to play an easier opponent than the team that is rock bottom and has nothing but pride to play for.

This much-anticipated tie is scheduled for 20:00.