Saudi Arabia-based star Gerald Takwara tips Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahli as favourites to claim promotion into the topflight.
The former Ajax Cape Town midfielder now turns out for Ohod Al-Medina. They compete in the Saudi First Division with Mosimane’s team.
THRASHED
Last month, Al Ahli thrashed Ohod Al-Medina 3-0 in a league match. Takwara picks it as the ‘toughest’ of the eight games he has played in Saudi Arabia.
Although Mosimane was not yet in charge of Al Ahli, the Zimbabwean anchorman was so impressed by his team. He felt they had a significant advantage in the promotion race.
“They [Al Ahli] are a huge and competitive club. With Pitso in charge, anything is possible. I think they do have an opportunity to get promoted. They could be one of the favourites if they maintain the current form,” Takwara told FARPost.
“When we played them, we lost 3-0; it was a good game. I must admit, we played a good team. The match was tough.
“The league is competitive, and every team is doing their best to win. Al Ahli is in form. They are winning. We are also trying hard to win and meet the club’s targets.”
MOSIMANE’S GOAL
Mosimane took charge of Al Ahli almost a month ago, and the club has been slowly gaining confidence again.
The CAF pro-licence holder has been clear that his goal is to lead the club back into the elite league.
And he has already given a glimmer of how he can turn around the ambitious club.
Since his arrival, they have registered three league wins plus an emphatic 5-1 friendly match win over Radwa Club FC.
The former Bafana Bafana tactician hopes to carve another niche by replicating what he achieved on African soil. In Egypt, he won two CAF Champions League titles in three editions.
On top of his achievements on the African Safari, he won the Egyptian Premier League title with Al Ahly. Mosimane also claimed probably his most prized accolade, the FIFA Club World Cup bronze.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian clubs have gone on a brief rest ahead of the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
The veteran gaffer plans to make sure his men stay oiled to maintain their winning momentum after the break.