Esteghlal FC new coach Pitso Mosimane is set to miss his side’s match against Cristriano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Mosimane took on the role of Esteghlal coach on Friday, agreeing to a contract that will expire at the conclusion of the current season. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach will be joined by his technical team; Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba, and Kyle Solomon.
Mosimane was unattached for four months after he parted ways with the Saudi Arabian side of the Abha Club in June 2024.
So far in the AFC Champions League, Mosimane’s Persian Gulf Pro League outfit has played two matches. They are fifth on the standings with three points after registering a win and a defeat.
With their upcoming match on Tuesday and fans excited to see their new coach in action, Esteghlal used social media to clarify that Mosimane wouldn’t be leading the team.
“@TheRealPitso will not be coaching Famous Royal Blues in the coming game, as his official beginning of training camp will be on Wednesday, the day after Esteghlal’s important game against @AlNassrFC_EN,” Esteghlal posted on their X account.
WHEN WILL PITSO MOSIMANE BEGIN HIS ESTEGHLAL TENURE
After Al Nassr’s clash, Esteghlal will shift their focus back to the league. Therefore, Mosimane’s first match for the club will be on the road against Kheybar on Saturday, 26 October, in the Iran Pro League. Kickoff at Takhti Stadium is at 3:30PM SA time.
A well-known face in the Kheybar team is Kenya international and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Anthony Akumu.
The two sides are close to each other on the log standings, only separated by two points, and Esteghlal has a game in hand.
After seven league matches played, Esteghlal has managed to collect eight points. So far, the team has registered two victories, two draws and suffered three defeats.
RELATED STORY: Why Cristiano Ronaldo signing by Al Nassr will inspire the nation
