By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane has confirmed his shock exit from Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli Saudi FC, despite leading them back into the Pro League.
In a tweet, Mosimane said, “Mission accomplished, project delivered, Sleeping Giant awoken in 8 months. In new Country, New Continent, different League! In Arabic, they say, Khalsa! meaning , it is done and dusted! Thanks Jeddah for entrusting me with this difficult task. Salute!”
The club, which is one of the four founding members of the Saudi Pro League and considered as one of the most successful clubs in the country, were relegated for the first time in its history last season.
Following the end of his journey with Egypt’s Al Ahly, Mosimane was appointed Al Ahli Jeddah’s manager last September in their quest to secure promotion back to the Saudi Pro League at the first time of asking after facing their first-ever relegation at the end of the last season.
Mosimane only signed a one-year contract and it is understood that Al Ahli president, Walid Moaz, has been casting around for a new coach for some time.
The three-time Caf Champions League winning coach has already secured promotion to the premium division, and is now looking to consolidate a top spot finish with just three games remaining in the season.
Al Ahli are the fifth most crowned team in the Saudi Pro League history, with three titles, behind Al-Hilal (18 titles), Al-Nasr (9 titles), Al Ittihad (8 titles) and Al Shabab (6 titles).
Mosimane is widely regarded as one of Al Ahly’s most successful managers in recent years, as he guided the Red Devils to one Egypt Cup title, two CAF Champions League titles, two CAF Super Cup titles and two FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals in his two-season spell in Cairo.