By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club were demoted from the Saudi Pro League after a 2-1 defeat to bottom-placed Al-Hazem on Monday night.
After moving out of the relegation zone on Friday, Abha had their fate in their own hands and only needed another win against already-relegated Al Hazem.
There was drama in injury-time as Abha first had Marcel Tisserand sent off after VAR review before Grzegorz Krychowiak missed a late penalty. But even a draw wouldn’t have been enough, as Abha have the worst goal difference in the league.
Abha have picked up 18 points in 15 games under Mosimane, while they were just sitting on 14 points after 19 matches before the South African took over.
Abha joins Al-Tai and Al-Hazem as the three clubs relegated from the Saudi Pro League.
Mosimane’s side ended the season with 32 points from 34 matches, having conceded a staggering 87 goals.
Mosimane acknowledged the risk he took in accepting the position. “I knew it was a difficult task, but I had hope when we got out of the danger zone three times,” Mosimane told media in Saudi Arabia.
“Everything must be accepted, and my contract with the club expires today.”
“It was difficult times for us and we played the match under pressure. I’m 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,” he added.
With Abha Club relegated and Mosimane’s contract expiring, all eyes will be on his future.
Amid ongoing speculation linking “Jingles,” as he is well-known in football circles, to Kaizer Chiefs, interest could intensify as Chiefs seek to appoint a new coach ahead of the upcoming Premier Soccer League season.