South African-born coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed his gratitude to the Abha FC board, management, and fans, adding that they have been a pillar of his strength in the last four months.
This was after Mosimane’s side fell short on the final day of the Saudi Pro League and saw them get relegated to the first division on Monday night.
Al Hazem stunned Abha by coming from behind to defeat them 2-1 and dash their hopes of competing in the Saudi top flight next season.
Abha needed nothing less than a win to survive relegation; however, Mosimane’s side failed to do the job.
Pillars of strength
Mosimane expressed his gratitude for the club’s trust through his agency, MT Sports Marketing and Management.
“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,” Mosimane said in the statement.
“Their commitment and heart have been extraordinary, and although we did not achieve our ultimate goal, we can hold our heads high for the effort and progress made.
“Thank you to the Abha club board, management, and fans; they have been pillars of strength throughout this challenging season.
“The learnings from this experience will certainly make us better coaches and players.”
MT Sports director Moira Tlhagale also weighed in on the disappointment, saying she is proud of Mosimane’s technical team, which is made up of Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon, and Hamad Alyami.
Desire to remain in the Gulf
“We are immensely proud of coach Mosimane and his technical team for their unwavering dedication and tremendous effort this season,” Tlhagale said.
“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 have been inspiring.”
It remains to be seen where the former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns mentor will end up, as his four-month contract with Abha is set to come to an end.
Recently, Mosimane’s camp confirmed that the door for contract extension negotiations with Abha is open, as he expressed his wish to remain in the Gulf for the next season.
