Former Esteghlal FC CEO Hojjat Karimi has launched a scathing attack on Pitso Mosimane, labelling the former Al Ahly coach as “very bad” and questioning the decision to bring “the African Lion” to Iran.
Mosimane recently cut ties with Esteghlal over payment issues and is back in South Africa.
However, Mosimane’s departure after 97 days at the helm has caused a stir in Iran, with Esteghlal’s former CEO leading the charge against him.
Between October 23, 2024, and January 28, 2025, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach oversaw 14 matches in all competitions, securing three wins, seven draws, and four losses.
WHAT ESTEGHLAL’S FORMER CHIEF SAID ABOUT PITSO MOSIMANE
“Right from the start, the gentlemen claimed they brought the African Lion to Iran. A coach who is very bad and has been sacked many times,” he said, as per Varzesh3.
Karimi’s remarks seemingly alluded to the three-time CAF Champions League winner’s recent coaching positions. Before his time in Iran, he managed Saudi Arabian club Abha FC from January to June 2024, culminating in the club’s relegation.
During his 15-game tenure, he recorded five wins, three draws, and seven losses before ultimately parting ways with the club following their relegation.
Mosimane’s second shortest stint was with UAE Pro League side Al Wahda, which lasted 113 days between July 1 and November 2023. In 10 games, ‘Jingles’ won six and lost four before he was relieved of his duties.
Nonetheless, he remains the most successful club coach on the continent, having guided both Sundowns and Al Ahly to CAF Champions League glory.
KARIMI QUESTIONS FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF MOSIMANE’S CONTRACT
“Why did we need to bring a coach from Africa and a country whose football is much weaker than ours? We didn’t say anything during this time so as not to weaken the team, but it was clear to me that he wouldn’t succeed.
“Instead of bringing a coach to Esteghlal from a country with a style in football, we brought a coach from a place where I think Iran should export coaches to.”
Karimi also questioned the financial aspects of Mosimane’s contract, suggesting that Esteghlal could have secured the services of a better coach for the same salary.
“The amount of Mosimane’s contract with Esteghlal, which was on par with the great world coaches, is truly unbelievable …,” he said.
He added that “among Iranian coaches, there are more qualified figures who could have become Esteghlal’s head coach”. He also believes that “among the foreign options, there were definitely better coaches.”
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