Persian Gulf Pro League club, Esteghlal FC, on Friday, confirmed that celebrated coach Pitso Mosimane is the new man to lead the team.
Let’s delve into the details of his new club and explore what lies ahead for the renowned coach.
Mosimane signed a one-year contract with the club, having been unattached since leaving Saudi Pro League side Abha Club in June 2024. This is his first gig in Iran.
He replaces Javad Nekounam, who was fired on 1 October. Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh held the fort for 17 days on an interim basis before Mosimane’s appointment.
And as has become the norm, the former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns coach arrived at the club along with his trusted lieutenants. These are Maahier Davids, Kabelo Rangoaga, Musi Matlaba and Kyle Solomon. How Mosimane and his lieutenants will fare at the club remains to be seen.
Esteghlal FC last won a league title in the 2021/22 Persian Gulf Pro League season when they ended the season without tasting defeat.
They became the first Iranian team ever to do so in a 30-game competition. However, the last seasons were not rosy, as they finished empty-handed.
HOW ESTEGHLAL HAVE FARED IN THE 2024/25 SEASON
This season, they have been below par as they are 11th on the Persian Gulf Pro League table. They have eight points in seven games. The club has managed two wins, two draws and three losses.
On Friday, prior to Mosimane’s unveiling, they lost 3-0 at home to Zob Ahan at home at Azadi Sport Complex. As it stands, they are eight points behind leaders Sepahan SC.
Meanwhile, DR Congo talisman Gaël Kakuta is one of the stars Mosimane will be coaching at Esteghlal FC.
ESTEGHLAL’S RICH HISTORY OF WINNING IN THE GULF
In history, Esteghlal FC has accounted for a total of 38 trophies, which included nine Iranian Leagues titles.
They also won the Iran Championship Cup and the Hazfi Cup a record seven times and clinched the Iran Super Cup once.
In addition, they pocketed the Tehran Club Championship for a record 13 times as well as the Tehran Hazfi Cup on four occasions.
Twice, they won the Asian Club Championship and stand as the only club from Iran club to win it more than once.
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