Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has cut ties with Iranian club Esteghlal FC over unpaid wages. Mosimane’s agency MT Sports Marketing and Management failed to reach an agreement with the Iranian outfit regarding the outstanding monies owed to him and his technical team.
Given their extensive efforts to address the matter, the agency revealed that this was a difficult decision to take. Mosimane joined Esteghlal in October last year and leaves the side in 11th position on the Persian Gulf Pro League log standings.
To top it off, the ex-Bafana Bafana coach helped Esteghlal qualify for the next round of the Iranian Cup.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON PITSO MOSIMANE LEAVING ESTEGHLAL
“Despite numerous opportunities provided by MT Sports Marketing and Management, Coach Pitso’s management team, to resolve the matter- starting with initial discussions with the former CEO of the club last year, followed by a formal default notice delivered on 1 January 2025-Esteghlal FC failed to address the issue.
“In good faith, Coach Pitso and the Technical Team extended a 15-day deadline as per the FIFA rules, to allow the new CEO and Board time to familiarize themselves with the situation and remedy the outstanding payments. However, the club did not resolve the issue within the deadlines they had set for themselves.
“Coach Pitso Mosimane and his technical team are still owed more than two months’ salaries. Coach Pitso deeply appreciated the players, whose commitment and talent made every challenge worthwhile.
“Esteghlal FC remains a contender for the AFC Champions League, with the highlight being the draw against the star-studded Al Ahli FC in Saudi Arabia, also a former team of Coach Mosimane, which he assisted in promoting back to the Saudi Pro League.
PITSO MOSIMANE’S RECORD AT ESTEGHLAL FC
“Esteghlal FC currently sits 11th on the Persian Gulf Pro League log standings. In the 10 league games of the Pro League, under Coach Mosimane’s leadership, the famed Iranian club had lost only three league fixtures. They have also been able to qualify the team for the next round of the Iranian Cup.
“The passionate support of the Esteghlal fans inspired Coach Pitso and made the South African technical team, consisting of Maahier Davids, Musi Matlaba, Kabelo Rangoaga and Kyle Solomon, confident of the club’s success this season. Moving forward, the appropriate processes will be followed to resolve this matter.
“Coach Pitso remains committed to the values of football excellence and looks forward to pursuing new opportunities to continue contributing to the game.”
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