Pitso Mosimane did not get to enjoy a honeymoon phase after his marriage with Iran giants Esteghlal has been a tale of heartbreak from day one.
Mosimane’s move to Iran did not quite raise many eyebrows as the Gulf Region has been his playground after moving away from the bright spotlight of high-pressure football with sky-high expectations at teams like Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
The former Bafana Bafana mentor spent some time away from the dugout for about a little over four months before striking a one-year deal with Esteghlal, where he was a spectator in the first match post the signing of his deal.
Esteghlal were playing Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League last month – an opponent ‘Jingles’ knows so well as the Cristiano Ronaldo-captained side meant no joke and thumped Mosimane’s then Abha Club outfit 8-0 the night after April Fool’s day, to hand down Mosimane’s biggest defeat as a coach.
FT.*
— Esteghlal (@EsteghlalFC_En) November 4, 2024
* for now the result will remain as it is, but due to using a player not in the official list deposited to AFC (Neymar) the result will be overturned very soon. pic.twitter.com/IGhGWU7vv8
‘Jingles’ then took the driving seat for the first time on October 26 against Kheybar Khorramabad, who beat Esteghlal 3-1 and that was followed up by another defeat at the hands of Tractor, who scored two unanswered goals.
This past Monday, Esteghlal travelled to the Kingdom Arena and were met by an on-form Aleksandar Mitrovic, who netted a hat-trick, leading to Esteghlal’s third successive defeat in the Western region group of the Champions League.
The situation is so dire to that point that club chief executive officer Farshid Samiiei had to issue a statement of apology, that shield Mosimane from possible unruly fan behavior, recently experienced by South African counterpart Rhulani Mokwena at Wydad Casablanca.
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“I apologise to all the fans of Esteghlal Club of Iran for the recent poor results that are in no way acceptable, on behalf of myself and the Esteghlal FC team. The only way out of this situation is to support the cadres and the players of the team as they continue their journey.
“I believe that soon and after more training, making the most of the holidays from Premier League matches, we will witness a powerful display of independence on the field.
“Sorry again for the recent results. I ask that you continue to support the cadres and players for the days of success and victory to come.
“The ability of the current technical staff, the ability of players who have proven their technical abilities before, the ambition of my colleagues.
“And most importantly, your presence and support. Dear fans, it is Esteghlal that if you continue to be like a mountain behind this team, it will rise again, relying on God and on your support. Independence stays with you and makes greatness.”
Mosimane will have to quickly dust his team up and gear up for a Persian Gulf Pro League encounter against Mes Rafsanjan this Saturday at the Azadi Stadium.
Esteghlal could not beat Rafsanjan in their last two encounters but can draw solace for dominating this tie across nine official meetings, winning five, losing once and registering three draws.
Esteghlal conceded seven goals under Mosimane’s watch and only found the back of the net once, courtesy of a Ramin Rezaeian strike against Khorramabad.
