NEWS: Pitso Mosimane sensationally confirms Abha Club exit following Saudi Pro League relegation

Mosimane took over the reins at Abha in January who were at the bottom of the log and managed to help The Leaders of the South crawl their way up as they spent the latter stages of the season drifting in and out of the relegation zone.

Abha lost 2-1 to Al Hazem, who had already been relegated before the final round, but Mosimane failed to engineer a win over the league’s worst-performing team.

A win would have been enough to seal safety, with Mosimane’s side falling short, while their fellow relegation rivals both won, subjecting Abha to the second tier.

“It is incredibly disappointing to come so close and fall short. I am proud of how the players responded to the challenge and fought until the end,” said Mosimane in a statement.

“Their commitment and heart have been extraordinary, and although we did not achieve the ultimate goal, we can hold our heads high for the effort and progress made.

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“Thank you to the Abha Club board, management, and fans, they have been pillars of strength throughout this challenging season. Learnings from this experience will certainly make us better coaches and players,” Mosimane added.

After his final game, Mosimane revealed that his deal had expired. The revered mentor will not be short of suitors as he is one of the sought-after coaches on the African continent.

The five-time DStv Premiership winner held high-profile jobs at Downs and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, while he had a stint as Bafana Bafana’s head coach early on in his career.

“It was difficult times for us and we played the match under pressure, and I am sad about the situation we are in, but this is football, we must accept everything, and even though we scored first, we were not able to win, and we got a penalty kick and missed it,” Mosimane told Saudi Arabia media.

“I took a risk and came to a team at the bottom of the league, and I know that it is a difficult task, but I had hope when we get out of the danger zone three times, and my contract with Abha expires today,” Mosimane concluded.

Mosimane’s agent and wife, Moira Tlhagale, gave a pat on the back to the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor and his team of lieutenants, made up of Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon, and Hamad Alyami.

“We are immensely proud of coach Mosimane and his technical team for their unwavering dedication and tremendous effort this season. They were brave enough to take on a challenge that most would have steered clear of.

“Only missing out on survival by two points, the progress and spirit displayed by the team under coach Mosimane’s leadership has been inspiring,” Tlhagale said in a statement.