- South African legend Pitso Mosimane recently revealed the reasons behind his sudden exit from Iranian club Esteghlal FC, just months after joining the Gulf Pro League team.
- A statement from Mosimane’s agency, MT Sports Management, confirmed that the coach and his technical team endured months without receiving their salaries.
- Back home, football fans have taken to social media to rally behind Mosimane, urging him to return to South Africa where his talents will undoubtedly be celebrated.
It’s always tough to see a decorated coach like Pitso Mosimane go through something as challenging as this. The man who has brought glory to African football with his tactical brilliance and leadership left Iranian club Esteghlal FC over unpaid wages. The story is more than just a contractual issue—it’s about respect, professionalism, and the challenges faced by coaches in foreign leagues. Let’s dive into what happened.
On January 28, 2025, Pitso Mosimane officially parted ways with Esteghlal FC, a club he joined with high hopes and expectations. The decision came after the club repeatedly missed deadlines to settle their financial obligations to Mosimane and his team. This wasn’t just a case of a few days of delay; it went on for months, leaving the legendary coach with no other choice but to call it quits.
The problems began surfacing during the festive season when it became clear that the club had not been paying the coaching staff for quite some time. While many coaches might have turned a blind eye to such issues, Pitso isn’t one to compromise on professionalism. This wasn’t just about money—it was about being treated fairly and with the respect he deserves.
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Pitso Mosimane Gave Esteghlal a Chance, But They Let Him Down
In a candid post on his Instagram profile, Mosimane explained his side of the story. He wasn’t quick to jump ship; instead, he gave the club every opportunity to rectify the situation. Through MT Sports Management, the agency representing Mosimane, a statement was issued confirming the termination of his contract with immediate effect.
Here’s what the statement said:
“In good faith, coach Pitso and the technical team extended a 15-day deadline as per the FIFA rules, allowing the CEO and the board time to familiarize themselves with the situation and resolve the outstanding payments. Unfortunately, despite multiple opportunities, the club failed to meet their commitments. Coach Pitso and his technical team are still owed more than two months’ salaries. Coach Pitso remains committed to the values of football excellence and looks forward to continuing his contributions to the game.”
The official confirmation of Mosimane's departure came via a tweet, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads about what could have gone wrong. It’s moments like these that remind us how fragile the world of professional football can be.
Mosimane’s Next Move: Searching for a New Home
When Pitso Mosimane arrived at Esteghlal, there were high expectations. Despite a rocky start, he managed to steady the ship, guiding the team to an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. However, their overall performance in the Gulf Pro League wasn’t enough to save the season. Esteghlal currently sits in 11th place, having drawn four of their last five games and suffering one defeat.
Now that Mosimane is back on the market, the world of football is buzzing with speculation about his next move. With a career that spans South Africa, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, he has proven time and again that he can deliver results wherever he goes. Whether he chooses to return home or explore opportunities abroad, one thing is certain—his next destination will be lucky to have him.
Fans Rally Behind Mosimane: Calls for a Return Home
As news of Mosimane’s exit spread, social media lit up with messages of support from fans across the continent. Many believe it’s time for the legendary coach to come back home, where his talents will be celebrated and appreciated.
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Take Theunique Engedzani, for example, who questioned Pitso’s reliance on large budgets: “He can’t perform without unnecessarily big budgets.” While this may be a critique of his style, it also highlights the need for clubs to provide adequate resources for their coaches.
Mzwandile Zulu expressed his empathy for Pitso, stating, “I don’t like this for him. As a Sadawana everywhere he goes, I always want him to be appreciated. Top coach this one.” It’s clear that Zulu sees Mosimane as more than just a coach—he’s a symbol of excellence in South African football.
Sibo Mokenela suggested a potential solution, recommending that Pitso return to South Africa to coach teams like Magesi or Cape Town Spurs. Meanwhile, David Manyogo lamented Pitso’s bad luck, saying, “Pitso is a very good coach. It’s just that, he is not lucky to be hired by a good and understanding management team.”
Perhaps the most intriguing suggestion came from Njabulo Nkosi, who believes Pitso should take over as the sporting director at Kaizer Chiefs. “The time for him has come to go and hold the sporting director post at Chiefs and help Kaizer Junior. Bobby won’t have a chance with him in charge. Chiefs will spend on the right players,” Nkosi said. It’s a bold idea, but one that could revolutionize the club.
Former Player Criticizes Mosimane: A Clash of Perspectives
Not everyone is a fan of Pitso Mosimane’s methods. As reported by Briefly News, Egyptian international striker Mahmoud Kahraba recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the coach. Kahraba, who played under Mosimane at Al-Ahly, claimed he was treated harshly despite his impressive performances on the field.
While criticism is part of the game, it’s important to remember that coaching isn’t easy. Every decision a coach makes is scrutinized, and not everyone will agree with their approach. For Pitso Mosimane, who has achieved so much in his career, the criticism is just another chapter in his journey. What matters most is that he continues to chase his dreams and inspire others along the way.
