Mosimane makes passionate plea as Esteghlal seek improvement
Veteran coach Pitso Mosimane has made a passionate plea at Esteghlal FC as he hopes for improvement in the second round of the 2024/25 season.
Esteghlal are set to play their first match this year on Monday. They host Shams Azar at 15:15 at home, Azadi Sport Complex.
This match will mark the start of the Gulf Pro League second half of the 2024/25 season.
In the 15 matches played in first half of the season, Mosimane and his men managed to pick four wins and six draws. And they lost five times.
Simply put, Esteghlal had a bad start to the 2024/25 season which is also the reason why Mosimane was hired, to save the team.
Mosimane, took reigns at the Iran club after a brief hiatus following his divorce with Abha Club of Saudi Arabia.
The former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer took over in October 2024. His first task was to lift the players’ confidence.
Plausibly, his efforts have been felt, as the team has managed to avoid defeat in the last nine matches across all competitions.
However, Mosimane has demanded more from all stakeholders, particularly the fans as he seeks a marked improvement in the second half of the season.
Mosimane wants a win over Shams Azar on Monday, to set up a perfect start to the year, 2025. A win will potentially lift Esteghlal to the top eight of the Gulf Pro League table.
PITSO MOSIMANE’S PASSIONATE PLEA FOR 2025
Addressing journalists at a Esteghlal press conference for the first time this year, Mosimane made a passionate plea.
“We want to ask our supporters to come and support us because at this moment we need them. Mentally, it is important for the players so this is the time we need them to back us up in this difficult space.
“And we hope to turn the second round into a very good round for us starting tommorow [Monday]. We want energy, we want positivity this 2025.
“And we have a Champions League match, the Asian Champions League, so this time I ask for positivity. We need energy and supporters to lift us up,” Mosimane said.
Meanwhile, Mosimane returns to the dugout amid indications that the club has not honoured their part of the deal according to the contract between them.
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