South Africa’s most decorated football coach Pitso Mosimane on Tuesday led his side Ah-Ahli Saudi to the Yelo League title – earning them promotion to the Saudi Pro League – but his job is far from secure.
Ah-Ahli Saudi clinched the second tier Yelo League with a 1-0 home win against Al-Qadsiah to return to the Saudi Pro League, where football superstar Ronaldo is plying his trade for Al Nassr.
Algeria’s Ryad Boudebouz scored the only goal of the match.
Ah-Ahli – one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest football teams – was last year, (2022), relegated from the country’s topflight for the first time in their history.
Mosimane’s side has one game to play with an unassailable four points lead at the top of the table after 33 games played.
However, the President of Ah-Ahli Saudi, Walid Moaz, has put a damper on celebrations with his comments on the future of Mosimane.
“After the last Al-Hazm match in the league, we will decide at that time whether or not the coach will continue. Pitso Mosimane performed well with the team, but the ambition is greater,” said Moaz.
Mosimane has also hinted his departure was possible saying on social media: “Mission accomplished, project delivered, sleeping giant awoken in eight months. In a 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.”
For now, Mosimane and his many admirers are celebrating his 19th major Cup competition win in his 22-year managerial career.