‘We shouldn’t get too excited’: Pitso Mosimane
SA coach Pitso Mosimane has cautioned Esteghlal FC and their fans against premature celebration despite recent positive performances from the team.
Mosimane, the celebrated 2016 CAF Champions League-winning coach, joined Esteghlal FC in October on a short-term contract to help the struggling club turn their fortunes around.
Since taking the helm, Mosimane has overseen seven matches across all competitions. In a recent positive streak, Esteghlal has remained unbeaten in their last four matches, securing two victories and two draws.
On Saturday night, Esteghlal further solidified their resurgence with a convincing 2-0 victory against Foolad Khuzestan in the Iran Pro League.
This victory propelled them into the top half of the league table, where they currently occupy the eighth position with 14 points from 11 matches.
PITSO MOSIMANE WARNS OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AT ESTEGHLAL
The 60-year-old ex-Bafana Bafana and Al Ahly coach issued a stern warning to his team, reminding them not to be overly confident based on recent performances.
He emphasised that significant strides are still required to return the team to the level of success they are expected to achieve.
“But we shouldn’t get too excited; we are still very far from where we are supposed to be,” said Mosimane. “We have a long way to go; the damage to us before was too big. So what we are trying to do is to repair the damage. We should keep our feet on the ground.
“We won the match [against Foolad Khuzestan], we were smarter and more intelligent. They wanted it more than us; they played with a heart, but we played a little bit tactful, we were composed, and they were more hyper.”
The league victory was a confidence booster for Mosimane and his troops as they now shift their focus to the Hazfi Cup.
Esteghlal will begin their campaign against Mes Kerman in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, 11 December. Kick-off at Shahre Qods Stadium is at 5 PM.
Last season, Esteghlal were eliminated in the Round of 32 after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Mes Rafsanjan.
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